TRAVERSE CITY, MI - With an early apple harvest in Michigan—10 days earlier than in years past—and North Bay Produce shipping 100 percent new crop apples this season, the company is anticipating a summer and fall full of basket-filling opportunities.

“Michigan apples are becoming a year-round commodity due to high-density plantings, updated packing lines, and technology that allows growers to pack high-quality apples daily,” Ken Korson, Apple Category Manager, shared in a recent update. “A mild winter, minimal spring, and summer events have contributed to this year’s good crop size and high-quality fruit.”

Grown in the Ridge area of Michigan, North Bay’s apples find their home in one of the premier fruit-growing areas. About 60 percent of Michigan apples are grown here, in a region that is eight miles wide and 20 miles long.

Harvest began at the beginning of August and will commence through the beginning of October.

“Along with grower insights and flavor profile resources for communicating our high-quality apples to the consumer, we also offer a range of product specifications for a year-round program that meets USDA and FDA requirements,” Ken adds.

Any way you slice ‘em, apples are a staple in the shopping cart, and in the news on AndNowUKnow.