When are apples in season? That is the question. They appear to be available all the time in stores and markets, right? But when are they freshest? When is the true peak?
We’ll hear from apple growing authorities and learn the apple basics. Let’s discover more about this amazing fruit, shall we?
When Are Apples in Season?
Here in the northern hemisphere, apples typically come to us freshest between July and November. Thanks to a global market, we see them with every passing month. Peak season falls between September and October for most of the country.
When Are Apples in Season for Texas?
According to Farm Flavor, you’ll find fresh apples in your farmers market July – October. That’s when Texas harvests come on the scene and are at their peak. That’s when you’ll see apples overflowing. Orchards are ripe for apple picking. And your market purchases taste and look near perfect.
When Does Apple Season End?
Late autumn marks the end of apple season in Texas and elsewhere. Of course, much depends on the weather and the variety of apple. For example, the Dallas News reports Gala, Crispin, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Mollie’s Delicious are ideal for the North Texas area. Galas are harvested mid-August through September. The Pink Lady variety isn’t ready for picking until mid-October.
For more information on a new apple variety, check out our recent blog post about the new Cosmic Crisp Apple.
How Long Does It Take for Apples to Grow?
If we’re talking apple trees themselves, you’re looking at nearly a decade before the first harvest. Some mature within 5-6 years, however. Harvest to Table notes that these trees (10-30 feet) grow slower with age. They can live to be a century old, though!
In the spring, you’ll see apple blossoms. Once the fruit is set, it takes anywhere from 100-200 days until harvest, depending on the variety. Harvest to Table goes on to say that an apple tree can yield between 75-130 pounds of fruit each year.
Apple Tree Fruit Cycle
Apple trees are pruned annually in late winter or early spring. This happens right before the apple blossoms appear. The fruit sets after the flowers are pollinated. And 3-7 months later, apples are ready for harvest. After harvest and right before spring blooming, the annual pruning occurs again. The cycle continues.
How Long Are Apples Good For?
Freshly picked apples only last a few weeks. After that, untreated apples go soft and rot. The apples you purchase out of season can be as old as 10 months based on USDA research.
Where Do Apples Come from Out of Season?
Where do apples come from in the winter, spring, and summer? Where are apples from these days?
Apples can be stored. The USDA mentions the gas, 1-methylcyclopropene. Along with controlled temperatures and low humidity, this helps with fruit storage. And that’s why some of the store-bought apples you find outside of apple season can be nearly a year old. This treatment is safe, according to health experts. That’s why the USDA allows it, of course.
Where are apples coming from? Countries that produce the most apples are China, the United States, and Poland. Washington, New York, and Michigan are the top three American states producing apples today.