Although the state’s years-long drought is mostly a terrible memory now, Californians want to take steps to prevent another disaster of this ilk. Several bills aimed toward long-term solutions have been proposed, while a number of California growers have gone to the table with U.S. Apple’s Risk Management Task Force and Agrilogic Consulting to develop crop insurance programs that provide protection for fruit and trees.
Trending & new varieties
Among Stemilt’s top selling varieties are Gala, Honeycrisp, and the newer Piñata apple, in both organic and conventional selections. Piñata, the offspring of three heirloom varieties, is bred for culinary uses, Pepperl says.
SweeTango, with direct lineage to Honeycrisp and Zestar, should hit the market a week ahead of Honeycrisp.
Stemilt’s newest apple, called Rave, will only make a limited appearance this year, though planting continues at a rapid pace.
In the Midwest
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and other states in and around the Midwest cultivate a smattering of apples, but Michigan produces the most, garnering second place in the nation.
With more than 11 million trees, apples are the state’s most valuable crop, ahead of other local favorites like tart cherries and cranberries. In the fall, growers harvest well over a dozen varieties for nearly a billion pounds of the healthy fruit.
The state’s rich sandy soil and climate, influenced by Lake Michigan, create ideal growing conditions, says Nick Mascari, vice president of sales for All Fresh GPS, LLC in Comstock Park. Most of the apple trees in the state grow close to Lake Michigan because of the well-drained, nutrient-dense soil.
Despite some freezing temperatures early on, weather was mostly good, Mascari says, unlike in the past. “We did have a small freeze, so our production will be down about 10 percent from what it was last year, but the entire state should yield about 30 million boxes. It’s a good healthy, crop,” he promises.
Like other growers in the state, part of All Fresh’s crop (around 5 percent) is destined for processing. Statewide, more than half the apples grown will be sold to processors for apple sauce, juice, and pie.
Trending & new varieties
“Our top-selling varieties are Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji,” says Mascari. “Some of our newer varieties include SweeTango, Kiku, and Kanzi.”
Touted as what might be the world’s sweetest apple, Kiku has a crisp, juicy texture, making it a popular snack or for adding to salads, pies, and sauces. All Fresh is one of only a few growers cultivating the Kiku.
