Early season apple varieties like Zestar, SweeTango, Sweet Sixteen, and McIntosh are now available for picking, while traditional Minnesota favorites like Honeycrisp, Haralson, Regent, and Honeygold will ripen throughout the month, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Resources.

Apple orchards are now open, with limited hours continuing into the end of November. Many local grocery stores and farmers markets will also carry Minnesota grown varieties throughout the fall.

Growers across the state are reporting good apple crops. Brad Moulton of Moulton’s Orchard & Vineyard in Rush City reported that weather has played a key role.

“The rains were perfect with no wind or hail storms. I’d say the weather was near perfect. It was consistently warm all summer and not extreme,” said Moulton. “The apples all look good. The Honeycrisp are looking super and will be ready in two weeks.”

Weather conditions can vary throughout Minnesota and orchard owners recommend calling or checking websites in advance to verify hours and to check availability of particular apple varieties.

The Minnesota Grown Directory is available in print and online, and are great resources for finding local apple orchards or farmers markets. The 2018 directory includes 111 apple farms. Free, printed copies of the Directory may be ordered online or by calling 1-888-TOURISM (1-888-868-7476).

The Minnesota Grown Directory is available online at https://minnesotagrown.com/member-directory/

Printed copies can be ordered at https://minnesotagrown.com/order-minnesota-grown-directory/