The sunny Okanagan orchards are buzzing as this year’s BC Tree Fruits apple harvest has begun. The apple season is one of the busiest times of the year for the 520 fruit cooperative growers.
Apples are the largest crop grown by BC Tree Fruits orchardists, with this season’s apple harvest estimated at 2.5 million cartons. From familiar favourites such as the McIntosh and Royal Gala to the newer and very popular Ambrosia, which was a chance seedling discovered in Cawston, BC. “All our growers are excited for this year’s apple season”, shares Hank Markgraf, BCTF Field Services Manager and Orchardist. “Our orchards consistently produce the best quality apples in Canada, and having a wide range of varieties keeps our fans searching for that familiar BC Leaf at the produce aisles.”
To highlight the work BC Tree Fruits’ growers put into apple season the focus this year is educating consumers on what goes into each apple. “Many people don’t fully realize the care and skill our orchardists put into each of the apples they produce,” says Chris Pollock, BCTF Marketing Manager.
“We plan to share as much of the process as possible with consumers so they feel an even stronger connection when they ‘Look For The Leaf’ this season.” Through traditional and social media, BC Tree Fruits will feature an insider look into their apple harvest. Their website currently offers a full description, including tasting notes, for each apple variety, as well as other seasonal fruit. Apple fans can keep up to date with full apple harvest and apples season details from September to February on the BC Tree Fruits Facebook and Twitter pages.
