Telling Your Story
Borrowing a thought from Forest Gump, there's apple pie, apple crisp, apple jelly, apple butter, apple compote, apple tart, fried apples, applesauce, baked apples, apple cake, apple salad, caramel apples, dried apples, fresh raw apples, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, apple wine, apple turnovers, apple donuts, apple fritters. ...
Welcome to apple season, the time when Michigan's largest and most valuable fruit crop is harvested in a matter of weeks.
The USApple estimate was recently released, predicting a 30-million-bushel apple harvest for Michigan in 2025. The 2024 harvest was 30.5 million bushels.
Diana Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, noted in the Aug. 25 press release that as growers continue to adopt high density plantings and new technologies, the size of the apple harvest will continue to grow.
Spring provided an ideal environment for apple growers this year—no significant late frosts, a gradual warm up into summer, and exceptional bloom conditions are some of the reasons why the harvest looks plentiful, in spite of dry conditions in many parts of the state.
Fall's fresh temperatures beckon people to the scenic views and tempting flavors found in Michigan's apple country. Savoring a warm cup of apple cider, a fresh donut and a crisp apple while enjoying a scenic orchard, picking or purchasing apples to take home to use later are traditions for many Michiganders.
The chill in the air makes me crave that hot cider coziness—sweaters and hoodies, and warm cider shared with friends around a crackling bonfire. You never get too old for that feeling.
If you're feeling especially industrious, you could follow the lead of a young couple I know who bought an orchard box full of apple seconds last year. They canned sauce, apple butter and pie filling, stuffing every corner and shelf of their home with canned apple products. Everyone, and by that, I mean absolutely everyone remotely on their Christmas radar, received a lovely basket of apple treats for Christmas. I admire their ambition and was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of a goody basket. I would recommend starting now, especially if you have a life filled with other obligations like work and farming and a long and generous Christmas giving list.
If you are ready to squeeze in a trip to an orchard but don't know where to go, this Michigan list can help you plan your perfect fall outing: https://www.michiganapples.com/find-mi-apples/. And don't forget to bring home plenty of apple goodies to enjoy over the winter!
Bev Berens is a freelance writer and empty nester from Vestaburg, Mich. She can be contacted at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.