Apple harvest season is upon us! Countless tons of apples will begin pouring out of local Washington farms this month and continue into early November. To celebrate the kick off of the season, we’re sharing some of our favorite apple fun facts and recipes!
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association has forecasted a plentiful harvest of 134 million standard forty-pound boxes of apples this year. That sure is a lot of apple pie! Our great state of Washington is actually the top apple-producing state in the nation. It is no surprise the apple was appointed the official state fruit in 1989.
While 134 million units may sound like a ridiculous number, rest assured that those apples will not go to waste. Did you know the average U.S. consumer eats almost 17 pounds of apples per year?!
Good for body and soul
Perhaps the reason we eat so many apples is because they taste great and they’re great for us. We’ve all heard it before – “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” You may roll your eyes at the old adage, but there is truth behind the saying.
Apples are packed with loads of essential nutrients all wrapped up in a small, colorful package. One large apple provides 20% of your daily recommended fiber and a hearty dose of Vitamin C to boost the immune system.
A multitude of flavors
Have you heard there are over 7,500 apple varieties worldwide? Fortunately, we don’t have to face that many options in the grocery aisle. Washington produces seven basic varieties – Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious – as well as a handful of specialty varieties produced by individual growers. Two of our favorites are Galas and Cosmic Crisps(R)!
Galas have been the apple of America’s eye for years, and they are predicted to be the most plentiful and popular variety again this year. They are one of the seven principle apple varieties grown in Washington, known for being deliciously sweet and wonderfully crispy. Look for new crop Galas in our home and office delivery this week!
Cosmic Crisp (R) apples were developed in Washington State University’s apple breeding program. They are a unique hybrid of the Honeycrisp and Enterprise varieties that packs a sweet and unbelievably crispy punch. They are also more resistant to browning after being cut than other varieties.
Crumbles, and salads, and pies – oh my!
While we love snacking on apples, part of their charm is owed to versatility in the kitchen. From sweet to savory and entrée to dessert, apples can do it all.
One of our favorite ways to incorporate apples is in salads. They will add a sweet twist to your go-to workday salad and keep your Fresh Office Eats interesting.
The Washington Apple Commission has an amazing collection of recipes featuring all the classics, like apple pie and apple cider, as well as some unique creations, like Golden Delicious risotto.
Did we mention that apple pie is the #1 pie in the country?
If you can’t tell, we’re pretty excited about the new apple harvest, and we hope you are too. We can’t wait to share fresh, delicious, and local apples with you all season long!