Autumn is in the Air: Now is a Great Time to Enjoy Maryland Apples

Maryland apple season is here. Now is the perfect time of year for residents to take a trip to an orchard to try all of the delicious apple varieties our state has to offer, or to visit a local farm market and savor fresh cider, pies, and other treats. Fresh Maryland apples can also be found in many grocery stores throughout the state. If your local grocery store does not carry Maryland apples, be sure to ask a produce manager for them. For a fun, family activity, visit a pick-your-own orchard and spend the afternoon gathering apples to make your favorite dishes.

Tips for Selecting the Best Maryland Apples:

Examine the apple for any bruises or spots
Squeeze the apple for firmness, a fresh apple should feel solid in your hand
Look at the stem and any attached leaves for freshness
Ask the farmer, they know their apples the best
“Not only are apples a tasty treat, but they are also nutritious and grown right here in Maryland,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “When you buy local products, you are supporting your local economy and Maryland’s family farmers. And don’t forget, apples are great for school lunches and snacks.”

Consumers of all ages can benefit from an apple a day. Not just a delicious and healthy snack, apples are full of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, phosphorus, thiamin and magnesium. Apples do not contain fat, sodium or cholesterol and with only 80 calories per apple, they fit in perfectly with a healthy lifestyle.

According to the Maryland Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the state’s apple production in 2011 totaled 40 million pounds. Almost every county in Maryland has at least one active commercial orchard.

To find Maryland apples, easy recipes, and pick-your own orchards, visit www.marylandsbest.net. The Web site currently features a sound book profile of Washington County’s J.D. Rinehart, a leader in our state’s apple production.

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Editor’s Note: Photos of farmers and apples available upon request.