Rockford Blog Apples and Fall: A Winning Combination

Nothing says fall like apples and lots of them!How big will this year's crop be is the question everyone is asking and wanting to know?2018 Apple Crop PredictionsThis depends upon who you ask, but most agree that this year's crop will be larger than the past two years, maybe even a record for apple production! The U.S. Apple Association's estimate of the size of the 2014 United States apple crop is 263.8 million bushels. The USDA's August 12th estimate was for 259.2 million bushels. That would be a 6% increase over the 2013 crop (which was 248.6 million bushels), and a 16 % increase over the five-year average (227.7 million bushels). If the estimates hold, the 2018 apple crop could very well be one of the largest in the history of apple production.Apples are the easiest fruit to pick and use.They're big, not easily bruised and most varieties store well.They can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen and made into manytasty and healthy dishes.Apples are great for diets as they are fat free, contain low sodium and are cholesterol-free.Fresh apples appear in grocery stores all year round now, thanks to a global marketplace, but the typical Northern Hemisphere's apple season is from early as July to as late as November. Peak apple season is September and October.Here are a few fun apple facts.2500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States7500 varieties are grown throughout the world.About 100 different varieties of apples are growncommercially in the United States.Apples are grown in all 50 states.United States consumers ate an average of 45.2 lbs. of freshapples and processed apple products. That's a lot ofapplesauce!61% of United States Apples are eaten as fresh fruit.39% of apples are processed into apple products with 21%of this is for juice and cider.Top apple producing states are Washington, New York,Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia.Below are a few helpful links for Picking Apples and which apples to pick, when and which varieties are it is best used.https://pickyourown.org/applepicking.htmhttps://pickyourown.org/applevarietiestochoose.htmSource: pickyourown.org/USapplecrop.htmIf looking for U-Pick, poly or paper, apple bags, Rockford Package Supply is a great source whether ordering stock or custom print. www.rockfordpack.comEnjoy this Apple Crisp Recipe compliments of The Humming Homebody. PERFECTLY CRUMBLY APPLE CRISPPREP TIME15 minsCOOK TIME45 minsTOTAL TIME1 hourINGREDIENTS6 large apples (or 12 small apples)½ cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon flour1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 cup quick cooking oatmeal1 cup flour1 cup packed brown sugar¼ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon baking powder½ cup butter, meltedINSTRUCTIONSPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Peel, core, and slice apples. Place in a baking dish.Mix together ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the sliced apples and toss to combine.Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Top the sliced apples evenly with the crumbly oatmeal mixture.Bake for 45 minutes. Serve warm.