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Minnesota apple crop arrives early [UPDATED]
Published 7:39am Tuesday, August 21, 2012 Updated 11:41am Tuesday, August 21, 2012ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s apple crop has arrived early.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says most varieties are ripening one to two weeks ahead of normal, and many orchards already have early-season varieties such as Zestar for sale.
While the crop is smaller than usual, the department says quality is high.
The early start to the harvest has its roots in Minnesota’s unusually warm March. But that also left the apple blossoms vulnerable to frost in April.
John Jacobson of Pine Tree Orchards in White Bear Lake says quality local apples will be available, just not as many as normal.
