(WXYZ) — It's almost harvest time for apples in Michigan, meaning fall is near and cider mills across the state will be open soon.
The state is the third-largest producer of apples, and there are nearly 15 million apple trees across 34,500 acres in Michigan. There are also more than 775 family-run apple farms.
According to the Michigan Apple Committee, the state's climate and geography provide ideal conditions for growing apples, and the Paula Red apple is expected to be the first apple available.
The committee said this month that 1.28 billion pounds of Michigan apples were harvested in 2024 and it's the most valuable fruit crop in the state.
The committee has a guide where you can find the estimated harvest dates for their favorite varieties of apples, with some harvested in August and others in September.
Below are the expected harvest dates for apples across Michigan.
Aug. 17 – Paula Red – pleasingly tart
Aug. 18 – Ginger Gold – sweet-tasting with a hint of tartness
Aug. 25– Gala – soft bite over mellow sweetness
Aug. 30 – Honeycrisp – sweet as honey with a crisp bite
Sept. 8 – Golden Delicious – gingery-smooth taste, known for its sweetness
Sept. 10 – McIntosh – juicy with a lightly tart flavor
Sept. 23 – Red Delicious – full-flavored sweetness
Sept. 24 – Fuji – crisp and sweet
Sept. 25 – Jonagold
Sept. 29 – Ambrosia - sweet and refreshing, floral notes with low acidity
Oct. 8 – Ida Red - tangy and tart, great for sauces and pies
Oct. 23 – Evercrisp – sweet, juicy and firm
Oct. 29 – Cripps Pink – tart with a sweet finish
The apples will be available at local farms, as well as at cider mills, farmers' markets and grocery stores.
