Fresh apples can be enjoyed all winter long
PARRY SOUND - Because of the hard work and dedication of more than 700 apple growers in the province, 60 of whom are in the Georgian Bay area, we are able to enjoy this versatile fruit all winter long.
Because of controlled-atmosphere storage, the apples are kept fresh and firm months after they have been harvested between July and November.
The Georgian Bay area is best known for growing McIntosh apples, which account for 27 per cent of the province’s output of those apples, following Honeycrisp, Northern Spy, Ambrosia and Gala.
According to John Gardner, apple specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the temperatures in our area are perfect for these kinds of apples.
“Honeycrisp can grow really well in the Georgian Bay area,” said Mr.Gardner. “It’s an apple that does well in the cooler apple-growing districts. It’s very hearty and sought-after in terms of the fresh market apple. It’s an apple that can’t be grown well everywhere in North America, because of it’s requirement of a cool season to give it its characteristic colour and look. The Honeycrisp apple is one that has a bright future in Ontario.”
Mr. Gardner says there are also a few apple-variety trial sites in the Georgian Bay area where growers can watch the performance of selected new fruits.
“Another new cultivar (apple variety) that is being planted in Ontario is the Ambrosia variety. There are some plantings as well in the Georgian Bay area. Ambrosia requires more heat and a warmer growing season than Honeycrisp,” he said. “A lot of the processing of juice and sauce and processing of apples into apple products is done in the Georgian Bay area now. However, they use fruit from all over Ontario.”
To keep apples looking and tasting their best, it’s recommended that they be stored in a crisper in the refrigerator, as apples tend to soften 10 times faster at room temperature.
It’s best to remove any apples with soft spots, as they will cause nearby apples to spoil.
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