Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom

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October 2024

Start Getting Excited for National Apple Month

Celebrate the Apple Harvest!

As autumn unfolds, it’s the perfect time to explore the bounty of Michigan’s orchards. With the crisp air and vibrant foliage, there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked apples!

October is National Apple Month, and Michigan is home to numerous apple orchards across its 83 counties, making it one of the top apple-producing states in the U.S.

While Michigan is best known for its fresh apples in autumn, these apples are typically shipped from mid-August through the following June. Approximately 50 percent of Michigan apples are processed into various products, making the state a leader in apple pies, fresh-cut slices, applesauce, fresh and shelf-stable apple cider, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar.

Apples are naturally free from fat, cholesterol, and sodium and are an excellent source of fiber. So grab your favorite apple and dive into the delightful world of Michigan apples! Although apples are harvested from August through October, thanks to controlled-atmosphere storage technology, they are available nearly year-round. Processed apples can be found year-round in forms such as juice, canned products, fresh slices, and applesauce.

Now that you know the basics, why not try one of these lesson plans?

Another fantastic way to learn more about apples and support local farms is to visit Michigan Apples website and/or a farmers' market near you!


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