“Eat More Apples!”

Our area is in the throes of “Old Man Winter.”  With actual temperatures below zero in addition to gusty winds, we have been experiencing wind chill factors ranging from twenty to thirty degrees below zero.  Definitely not temperatures conducive to outdoor chores in the orchard such as pruning.  While pruning continues to be the main area of focus in our orchard during this time of year, it will be “on hold” until the weather conditions improve.  We have a long way to go to finish and are anxious for a break in this recent weather pattern.

Trade shows as well as fruit and vegetable workshops have been sponsored by Michigan State University and Purdue University in the past months.  We make a point to attend these workshops to stay abreast of what’s new in the “growing” business.  New apple varieties, latest equipment and marketing ideas are just a few areas of interest for us growers.  There is an overall feeling of  comradery where  concerns are freely discussed and individual grower problems sometimes find resolution.

With all the hype and advertising to eat more fruits and vegetables, apples do seem to be holding their own in commercial sales.  Consumers realize the importance of the apple as part of their daily dietary intake and continue to purchase apples at a steady rate.  Apples are low in calories, one medium apple has approximately one hundred (100) calories.  Apples have no cholesterol, no fat and no sodium.  Apples supply seventeen percent (17%) of the recommended dietary fiber as well as fourteen (14%) percent of dietary values of Vitamin C.  So, some simple advice from a grower, “Eat More Apples!”