Oct. 1, 2020 – It’s peak time for picking apples, the fall fruit that defines the month of October. The United States is the second largest producer of apples in the world. One of every four apples grown in the United States is exported. Do you know which state in the United States produces the most apples?
Apples are the perfect fruit and food for a healthy diet. With just 100 calories, an apple is naturally sweet while providing valuable vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C, in addition to a little calcium and iron. Red apples have the added benefit of anthocyanin, a red pigment that has been shown to contribute to a healthy diet. Eat an apple with the skin on to get the nutritional benefit of that red pigment!
According to the U.S. Apple Association, 200 varieties of apples are grown in the United States with about 100 of them available at farm markets and grocery stores for consumers to purchase.
The top ten varieties sold in the United States are: Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn and Jazz. What is your favorite variety?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this year’s worldwide production is expected to increase 5 million metric tons to a total of 75.8 million metric tons. China is the leading apple producer and is expected to a record 41 mllion metric tons of apples this year.
United States production is projected to increase more than 300,000 tons to 4.8 million metric tons. More apples will be exported this year to a projected total of 860,000 million metric tons, an increase of more than 100,000 tons from last year. Countries that receive the most apples from the United States (exports) are Mexico and Canada.
About 67 percent of the total U.S. crop is fresh apples with the remaining 33 percent of the crop processed and made into cider, applesauce, pie filling, and many other products.
Top ten apple producing states
What state produces the most apples in the United States?
It’s Washington followed by New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio and Idaho. Washington had favorable summer weather so their apple crop is excelent. Apples are grown in 32 states.
To keep apples fresh, keep them cold. Then take a big crunchy bite for a fall treat straight from a tree!
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the estimated total worldwide production of apples this year?
2. What country produces the most apples?
3. What is the state in the United States that produces the most apples?
4. How many states grow apples?
INQUIRY QUESTIONS
1. Assume the U.S. harvest is 5 million tons. How many tons of apples are eaten fresh? Write a summary of how you solved the problem. How many tons are processed?
2. On a map of the United States, mark the top ten apple producing states. What conclusions can you draw about the states that produce large quantities of apples? Discuss.
3. Conduct a poll in your class about everyone’s favorite apple variety. Graph the results. Discuss.
4. Are apples grown in your state? Research through your state’s agricultural website.