The apple harvest of New York state's most popular varieties begins this week and will continue through the fall. The quality of the fruit this season is outstanding, according to grower reports.

Growers are predicting a crop size of 29.5 million bushels.

“We are once again looking at a beautiful harvest,” said New York Apple Association president Jim Allen in a press release. “Growers are reporting another outstanding quality crop - our fifth in a row. Our cider will be outstanding this year as well.”

Harvest of early variety apples such as Paula Red and Ginger Gold began in August and some McIntosh picking is under way now throughout the state.

McIntosh is the most abundant variety of apples grown in New York state, with 17 percent of the total production coming from this state.

The state's most popular varieties after McIntosh are Empire with 15 percent of total production, Red Delicious, Rome, Cortland and Idared.

The state also produces popular up-and-coming varieties like Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp.

Growers will also be pressing quality batches of cider throughout the fall.

New York state has nearly 200 cider producers throughout the state.

Apple consumption is on the rise in New York and around the U.S. due to publicity from university research proving that apples can help fight Breast Cancer, prevent Alzheimer's disease, strengthen bones and even help dieters lose weight.

New York's 695 apple orchards produce an average of 25 million bushels of apples every year on 45,000 acres.

Estimated harvest dates by variety

are as follows:

Variety Earliest Availability

Jonamac Current-Sept. 15

McIntosh Current-Sept. 16

Macoun Sept. 13-Oct. 3

Honeycrisp Current-Sept. 30

Cortland Current- Sept. 25

Empire Sept. 18-Oct. 10

Spartan Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Red Delicious Sept. 18-Oct. 10

Jonagold Sept. 26-Oct. 15

Crispin Sept. 30-Nov. 1

Lady Apples Oct. 1-12

Jonathan Oct. 4-6

Golden Delicious Oct. 1-18

Cameo Oct. 15-20

Stayman Oct. 16-30

Idared Oct. 6-28

Rome Oct. 6-25

Fortune Oct. 10-20

Fuji Oct. 13-Nov. 1

Northern Spy Oct. 20-Nov. 5

Twenty Ounce Oct. 25-Nov.30

Braeburn Nov. 1-6

- Source: New York Apple Association

On the Net

A complete directory of the state's orchards, as well as a

variety of information, recipes and health facts

can be found online at www.nyapplecountry.com

Visit www.nycider.com for a complete directory of New York state cider producers.