(WXYZ) — It's almost harvest time for apples in Michigan, meaning fall is near and cider mills across the state will be open soon.
The state is the third-largest producer of apples, and there are nearly 15 million apple trees across 34,500 acres in Michigan. There are also more than 775 family-run apple farms.
According to the Michigan Apple Committee, the state's climate and geography provide ideal conditions for growing apples, and the Paula Red apple is expected to be the first apple available.
The committee has a guide where you can find the estimated harvest dates for their favorite varieties of apples, with some harvested in August and others in September.
Below are the expected harvest dates for apples across Michigan.
- Paula Red - Aug. 17 - First-available and eagerly awaited. Pleasingly tart.
- Ginger Gold - Aug. 17 - Sweet-tasting, with a hint of tartness. Stores well.
- Gala - Aug. 24 - A consumer favorite. A soft bite over a mellow sweetness.
- Honeycrisp - Aug. 31 - Sweet as honey with a crisp bite. Creating quite a buzz!
- Golden Delicious - Sept. 7 - A gingery-smooth taste. Known for its sweetness.
- McIntosh - Sept. 7 - A classic by any standards. Juicy with a lightly tart flavor.
- Red Delicious - Sept. 21 - America's most popular. Full-flavored sweetness.
- Fuji - Sept. 21 - A popular late-season variety. Crisp and sweet
- Jonagold - Sept. 28 - Michigan grows them best! A must-try
- Ambrosia - Oct. 5 - Sweet and refreshing, floral notes with low acidity.
- Everscrip - Oct. 26 - Sweet, juicy and firm. Packs a powerful crunch.
- Cripps Pink - Nov. 2 - Pinkish skin with crisp, juicy flesh. Tart with a sweet finish.
