Ontario's apple growers are kicking off this year's harvest season with optimism and excitement, as early reports show a crop of excellent quality and flavor. Thanks to a hot, dry summer followed by cooler late-summer nights, this year's apples are shaping up to be among the best in recent memory.
"The growing conditions this year have really worked in our favor," says Chris Hedges, apple grower in Norfolk County and Chair of the Ontario Apple Growers. "The summer heat helped with flavor development and boosted sugar levels, and the cooler temperatures now are bringing out beautiful color in the fruit. The early apples we're harvesting are of very high quality – about as good a crop as it could be."
© Ontario Apple Growers
"The growing conditions this year have really worked in our favor," says Hedges.
This year's crop is larger than last year's, with growers relieved to have avoided frost, hail, or major weather challenges during the season. Ontario consumers can look forward to their favorite varieties, including Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia, as well as more than a dozen others grown across the province's prime apple-growing regions near Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay.
"Ontario apple growers have invested heavily in planting new orchards so that we're growing the varieties and types of apples that Ontarians want," Hedges adds. "We know shoppers have many choices at the grocery store, and we're grateful for the strong support Ontarians show us in choosing apples grown right here at home. Apples are a staple in our diets and buying local helps keep our sector and our economy strong."
© Ontario Apple Growers
This season's apple crop in Ontario is larger than last year's.
Apples remain a versatile favorite – a convenient, healthy snack and a key ingredient in baking, desserts, and family meals. Beyond the fruit itself, Ontarians are also enjoying the growing number of on-farm retail experiences across the province.
"Over the last several decades, we've seen an amazing shift to direct-to-consumer opportunities like pick-your-own farms, on-farm markets, and agri-tourism experiences," says Hedges. "It's a perfect way for anyone to enjoy a wholesome, local outing and see firsthand how their food is grown."
The Ontario Apple Growers represents the province's 200 commercial apple farmers.
For more information:
Chris Hedges
Ontario Apple Growers
Tel: +1 (519) 428-4550
[email protected]
Kelly Ciceran
Ontario Apple Growers
Tel: +1 (905) 688-0990
[email protected]
www.onapples.com