Watch CBS News

Strong Apple Crop Expected In Mass. This Year

BOSTON (CBS) - September is Massachusetts Apple Month. WBZ business reporter Jeff Brown tells us what makes the fruit special enough to warrant its own month:

For starters, it's after Labor Day which means its peak apple picking season. Plus, Governor Charlie Baker says so.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jeff Brown reports

Inside the numbers, the Department of Agricultural Resources says Massachusetts orchards will produce 140 varieties worth about $20 million.

This year's crop is likely to be phenomenal.

And Russell Powell with the New England Apple Association says you got to give the nine feet of snow some of the credit.

"The snow cover provided insulation for the trees, but we also avoided those big spikes in temperature. It stayed cold consistently," Powell said.

And Mother Nature kept on cooperating.

"We avoided some of the usual hazards in the spring, namely poor pollination or frost damage. And for the most part, we've had adequate moisture all summer."

There's likely to be around 30 million pounds of apples pulled from trees this year, and the Jonagold is one to keep an eye on.

"It was developed in New York State not too long ago in the late 1960s. It's a beautiful red and gold color, real juiciness and crispiness," Powell says.

But they are rare.

"It's kind of hard to find in supermarkets because not a lot of growers are growing it, but if you can find these, they're an outstanding apple," he says.

As for the best known apple, "I think it has to be Macintosh," says Powell. "It accounts for almost 2/3rds of the crop here."

And Massachusetts will proudly put its stamp of approval on the Macintosh.

"Nobody can grow Macintosh like we do here, in part because of cool nights and warm days," Powell says.

And Russell says it's his pick to slap in the oven.

"One of the leading apples for a pie, there's a lot of debate on this subject, and people are very loyal to the varieties that they use," he says.

No matter your favorite, 'tis the season. It's Massachusetts Apple Month.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.