One of the hallmark aspects of New York state's fall season is the apple harvest. Warm apple cider, fresh pie a la mode, and crisp fruits filling the branches of local tree farms are all things locals can look forward to.
New York state produces about 23 million bushels of apples each year - the most of any other state in the nation.
Some of the local favorites include McIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Cortland, Jonagold and Crispin, among many others.
For this area, the apple industry is a family affair, where almost 700 family farms produce apples in the state.
It's important to recognize how farmers provide us with all the apple products we so adore.
The development of an apple crop depends on variety, hardiness, standard or dwarf sized trees, growing methods and packing, storing and shipping methods.
The trade is continually changing, and growers need to keep up with the technologies that allow them to stay in business.
For instance, dwarf varieties of the fruit allow for increased density of plantings and thus higher yields.
Or, newly designed Y shaped trellises that allow trees to filter light better, for a more flavorful and colorful product.
These developing practices make it possible for local farmers to supply their market.
Another method newly emergent is an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM), which makes use of science and nature to reduce chemicals used on crops.
There's even more good news for those who can#'t get enough of the crispy red fruit.
Apples may help reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease and supplement health during pregnancy.
And have you ever wondered why the apple appeared as a teacher#'s symbol?
Perhaps due to it#'s ability to enhance memory and learning!
Breathe easy - apples show promise in increasing lung capacity too!
Whether you enjoy them for their antioxidants, a low fat/low cal snack, or simply because you can practically pick them in your backyard, it#'s good to know local growers and citizens know fall in NYS for one thing - apples!
For more information about growing apples or cooking them, call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at 255-1183.
Alexa Weigel-Krause is an AmeriCorps environmental assistant for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County
Some of the local favorites include McIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Cortland, Jonagold and Crispin, among many others.
For this area, the apple industry is a family affair, where almost 700 family farms produce apples in the state.
It's important to recognize how farmers provide us with all the apple products we so adore.
The development of an apple crop depends on variety, hardiness, standard or dwarf sized trees, growing methods and packing, storing and shipping methods.
The trade is continually changing, and growers need to keep up with the technologies that allow them to stay in business.
For instance, dwarf varieties of the fruit allow for increased density of plantings and thus higher yields.
Or, newly designed Y shaped trellises that allow trees to filter light better, for a more flavorful and colorful product.
These developing practices make it possible for local farmers to supply their market.
Another method newly emergent is an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM), which makes use of science and nature to reduce chemicals used on crops.
There's even more good news for those who can#'t get enough of the crispy red fruit.
Apples may help reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease and supplement health during pregnancy.
And have you ever wondered why the apple appeared as a teacher#'s symbol?
Perhaps due to it#'s ability to enhance memory and learning!
Breathe easy - apples show promise in increasing lung capacity too!
Whether you enjoy them for their antioxidants, a low fat/low cal snack, or simply because you can practically pick them in your backyard, it#'s good to know local growers and citizens know fall in NYS for one thing - apples!
For more information about growing apples or cooking them, call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at 255-1183.
Alexa Weigel-Krause is an AmeriCorps environmental assistant for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County
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