Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Michigan's official crop estimate of 32 million bushels (1.344 billion lbs.) of apples was announced on August 18 as part of the USApple Outlook meeting held annually in Chicago. The 2023 estimate is above average for the Michigan apple industry. "This fall brings the second large Michigan Apple crop in a row for our industry," said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. "As growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan's apple crop will continue to grow." According to the USDA, Michigan harvested a record 32.38 million bushels of apples in 2022. Average annual crop size is approximately 24 million bushels. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan. "Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples," said Smith. "They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer."

Michigan apples are available nearly year-round from August to June and are especially sought after in the fall months. Michigan apples can be found at the roughly 150 farm markets and cider mills in the state along with more than 12,000 grocers across the nation. Read on to find locations in our area to find quality apples and apple cider.

In Wayne County, Apple Charlie's South Huron Orchards and Cider Mill offers U-pick apples, pumpkins, a petting farm, and. hay rides on the weekends. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Apple Charlie's is located at 38035 S. Huron Road in New Boston. For more information call 734-753-9380 or see their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Apple-Charlies-South-Huron-Orchards.

This year, Parmenter's Cider Mill in Northville is celebrating 150 years. In addition to fresh donuts and cider, other menu items include apple pie, apple butter, caramel apples, fudge, honey, jams, and more. Large orders of five dozen or more can be placed online at http://[email protected] for later pickup. Parmenter's is located at 714 Baseline Road in Northville and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. . For more information call 248-349-3181.

In Monroe County, Bennett's Orchard has been growing quality fruit and vegetables for more than 60 years. Bennett's feature a variety of apples, cider, and a county store which sells fresh honey, eggs, and jams and jellies. Bennett's also offers hard cider. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bennett's Orchards is located at 5647 Consear Road in Ottawa Lake near the Ohio border. For more information and to find out about apple picking call 419-466-1879 or go to http://www.bennetsorchard.com.

In Washtenaw County, Alber Orchards and Cider Mill produces over 100 varieties of apples along with pumpkins and delicious cider and donuts. John Alber established the farm in 1881. Alber Orchards is located at 13011 Bethel Church Road in Manchester. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 12 to 6 p.m., 9 a.m to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The business is closed on Mondays. For more information call 734-428-9310 or see their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/alberorchard.

Wiard's Orchard and Cider Mill is the place to take the whole family for a weekend getaway day. Along with a country store, Wiard's Country Fair features a petting zoo, corn maze, and wagon rides. Tickets for the Country Fair attractions are available online only, but if you're shopping for cider and treats only, the county store is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wiard's is located at 5565 Merritt Road in Ypsilanti. For more information call 734-482-7744. Go to http://www.wiards.com or http://www.facebook.com/wiards to see all that is offered for fall fun.