Apple Harvest 2019 Pt 2

Apple Harvest 2019 Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. Washington apple growers are wrapping up what appears to be a very successful harvest with nearly perfect weather conditions.

Another big reason for excitement this year, according to Washington Apple Commission president Todd Fryhover, is highly anticipated launch of the Cosmic Crisp …

FRYHOVER … “You know, clearly, the Washington apple growing community is in big support of the variety. This year expectations are somewhere, and again as you alluded to, it’s the first year, somewhere between 200 and 450-thousand bushels. Next year, 2-million, the year after, 6-million, and the projects are that it’s going to continue to rise.”

So, when can we expect to see Cosmic Crisp in the stores? …

FRYHOVER … “The industry has set up a target date for the first release and, as you suggested, is December 1st on 3rd leaf fruit and January 1st on 2nd leaf fruit. The primary reason for that is that the starch to sugar conversion takes time on this apple so the to leave it in storage and make that conversion happen will ultimately give the consumer a better piece of fruit to eat.”

Bottom line, Fryhover says Cosmic Crisp will deliver …

FRYHOVER … “So, I think the growing community and those that have had the opportunity to taste the fruit are very excited about it. It’s extremely dense. It has a great crispness to it. It’s got a sweet tart mixture, so that depends on each individual customer’s preferences.”

More than 56 varieties are now grown in Washington state, while organic apples represent 13% of the total crop.

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