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Apples
The world's best apples
More than half of all apples grown in the United States are produced right here in Washington State. In the fertile valleys and plateaus, growers tend orchards that produce the world's best apples. Rich volcanic soils, crisp nights, and warm sunny days work together to produce top quality fruit. And orchardists are continually improving growing methods to produce fresh apples that are even crisper, juicier, more flavorful, and store better.
Washington Apple facts
- Nearly 200,000 acres of orchards are nestled in the eastern foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountains.
- Orchards thrive at elevations from 500 to 3,000 feet above sea level, where they are irrigated with plentiful and cool mountain water.
- The average size of an orchard is approximately 100 acres, but some cover as many as 4,000 acres.
- As many as 45,000 workers carefully handpick apples to prevent bruising.
- Apple varieties include Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and many others.
- An apple tree takes 4-7 years to reach its full production potential.
- Washington State apples are grown for the fresh market with only 20% of the crop being diverted to the processor market.
- Processor apples are diverted from the fresh apple channel due to defects such as; poor color, shape, or other cosmetic defects.