<p>New York’s nearly 700 apple growers are expected to harvest approximately 32 million bushels of vintage apple crops by November – a new record.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Apple farmers attribute this bountiful crop to excellent weather conditions, which began during this year’s bloom and growing season and lasted well into the harvest so far, according to the New York Apple Association (NYAA).<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “Good news, New York state apple fans: This year’s apple harvest is on time, and is now in full swing across New York state,” said Jim Allen, NYAA President. “Our consumers who have been waiting for us to get back into the market after last year’s short crop will have lots to celebrate this fall.” Although last year’s frost led to a crop of only 17.1 million bushels per U.S. Department of Agriculture, apple growers ensure this season will be generous. “We didn’t just recover from last year, we’ve roared back and more,” continued Allen.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Allen reports that harvest of New York’s top apple variety McIntosh is currently underway in the Eastern part of the state, but will soon be harvesting statewide. Zestar, Gala, HoneyCrisp apples, and all other varieties are currently being harvested across the state.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> As schoolchildren head back to class, NYAA’s consulting dietician also celebrated the abundant supply of New York apples.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “Apples are the perfect addition to every school lunch,” said Linda Quinn, MS, RD. “Their natural sweetness comes packaged with a big serving of fiber so that fuel is released to the body more slowly, giving your child healthy energy while leaving her feeling fuller for longer.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> NYAA has also enlisted Amby Wambach, international soccer star and New York native, to help promote this year’s crop through television, radio commercials, and in-store signage later this fall. “We want to score the soccer mom vote,” said Allen.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> This year’s fruit is guaranteed to be large and juicy! Be sure to take a look at NYAA’s homepage for a chance to win a New York state apple a day for a year.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.nyapplecountry.com" target="_new"> New York Apple Association </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
