[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”underline solid” sep_color=”#000000″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Minnesota apple growers ready for fall pickers[/title][fusion_text]Tuesday, September 1st 2015
Minnesota apple growers are already reporting orchards full of big, high quality apples. Many early varieties are available across the state, with more varieties close behind. Ralph Yates, Secretary of the Minnesota Apple Growers Association, said the 2015 crop will be excellent for growers and consumers, due to the consistent growing season, “This year we are back to ‘normal’ harvest dates. Retail stands opening around Labor Day will have a good supply of high quality fruits.” Minnesota is known for flavorful apple varieties specifically bred to thrive in our climate. This includes University of Minnesota cultivars: Zestar!, Honeycrisp, SweeTango, Haralson, and Sweet Sixteen. “Minnesota bred apple varieties taste the best when grown right here in their home state,” said Yates. “The apples have world-class flavor if you can hold out for the locally grown, in-season varieties! Enjoy those early season apples like Paula Red, SweeTango and Wealthy now, and look for favorites like Honeycrisp after Labor Day.” Because there are so many delicious apple varieties to choose from, and seasonality depends on weather, be sure to call your orchard to determine what is ripe and ready for picking. A trip to an apple orchard is a fun activity for families and it’s important to choose an orchard that meets your needs. Minnesota Grown Spokeswoman, Jessica Miles said, “Apple orchards provide many ways to engage families and children of all ages. It is a fun outing, and a wonderful way to introduce kids to how delicious fresh picked produce can taste! Many apple orchards also offer fresh apple cider, pumpkins, fall raspberries and fun fall activities like hay rides, crop mazes, and petting zoos. Not all orchards will offer pick-your-own apples; please call ahead and check with the grower.” The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown Directory is a free statewide guide to more than 100 apple orchards. The directory also includes a comprehensive list of fall raspberry patches, corn mazes, wineries and more. You can search the directory online at www.minnesotagrown.com or order your FREE printed copy by calling 1-888-TOURISM FREE.
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