Washington State Apple Harvest

Washington apples and trade has a large impact for our state. Jesse Tam, they are known around the nation and the world. Apples are a staple, they might grow in any backyard or garden. There are varieties in our region, but the most majority of the crop in Washington State are - Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisps and Cameo.

The apple season starts in mid-August and continues into fall. Each year, more than 100 million apple boxes are harvested and each box weighs about 40 pounds.  The harvest each year for Washington apples you purchase are picked by hand.  There are no harvesting machines for the annual crops.

Red Delicious made up three quarters of Washington's apple crop.

Washington designated apple as it's state fruit in 1989.  Most of the region's apples come from the Wenatchee Valley.  Our state produces almost 60 percent of the nation's supply of apples and have the best apple picking in the country. Take a day trip to Wentachee Valley near Leavenworth is a great way to spend a weekend.

There are several orchards near Seattle with large varieties of apple for those you enjoy the u pick. Plan ahead for dates and availability. Thanks for reading Jesse https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

Washington Apples Impact Overseas

 It was a privilege to see the fruit orchard and Yakima processing plant with Jesse Tam. Washington state apples are exported to 60 countries and provides jobs in the Yakima valley and eastern Washington. The apple industry exports 30 percent  (30%)  of its yearly harvest. How we engage in trade and doing business with other countries impacts our state economy.

Yakima Apple Orchard - Red Delicious Tree 

The average size of an orchard is about 50 acres, but some cover 3,000 acres and employ 300 or more employees year-round.  The Yakima and eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains is the ideal area for orchard. The fields are irrigated with mountain waters.

The growers harvest a wide variety of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala and many others.  Farmers are continuing to improve growing methods to produce crisper, juicier and more flavor and to keep better in storage. Apples are hand picked and dwarf trees improve harvest efficiency because labor is reduced. 

Sorting Apples

Apple Processing

Packing and Processing

The Top 10 Countries (Export)  from Washington Apple Growers:

Mexico, Canada, UAE (Dubai) Taiwan, India, Indonesia
Vietnam, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Thailand

The containers are shipped to the Ports in Seattle and Pacific Northwest cargo will head overseas.  Asia values the fresh fruits and produces from Washington for its high quality and food safety.

Visit the processing plant and orchard