TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It continues to be apple season in Michigan as we move through the month of October. Go to any grocery store, farmer’s market or roadside stand and you will see an abundance of Michigan apple offerings including Empire, EverCrisp, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Ida Red, Jonathan, McIntosh, Spy, Red Delicious, and Rome to name a few.

Everyone has a favorite whether it’s a sweet or tart apple. Depending on the apple, the 2023 harvesting started mid-August and goes through about the end of October, although Michigan apples are available pretty much all-year round thanks to controlled atmosphere storage.

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But after a while, what do you do with all of the apples? Most people don’t just buy one at a time. They buy a basket or a bushel.

So what are some of the favorite things that people are making with apples? According to the Michigan Apple Committee, there are all sorts of delicious ways to use apples in a snack or a meal including candy coated apples, apple crisp, apple salads, apple appetizers, beverages and more. There are also all kinds of yummy dips that you can enjoy with your slices of apples.

The website even has recipes specifically geared to the kind of apple that you have. One of the best looking recipes on the website is for a Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon & Gala Apples.

According to the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan is the nation’s second largest producer of apples and it’s the largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan with growers who pride themselves on a rich heritage of producing an array of fine apple varieties.

The 2023 Michigan Apple crop is estimated to reach 32 million bushels of apples (1,344 billion lbs.) with 50% of them sold ready to eat (fresh) and the remainder processed into other products. The Michigan Apple Committee says that due to a mild spring, dedicated growers, nutrient rich soil and plenty of rain and sunshine, this year’s harvest is resulting in quality, colorful and flavorful apples for consumers to enjoy.

The economic impact of apples is quite significant for the state. Michigan apples are sold in 32 states, 18 countries and in more than 12,000 retail grocery stores in the United States. They are also sold in 150 Michigan farm markets and cider mills – a fall treasure for Michiganders along with freshly made donuts.