Center Yourself in Greene County, VA with Virginia Greene and Greene Lite ezines from Greene Co. and Central Virginia

Healthy, vibrant, delicious color - that's Virginia grown apples - and fall is a great time to make them part of your diet and park of your fun. While you are enjoying some leaf-peeping, check out local orchards and farmers markets for the freshest of this year's crop. By the bushel or by the bite, try good eating with Virginia's finest - apples.

apples CELEBRATE OCTOBER
VIRGINIA APPLE MONTH

October is Virginia Apple Month, as proclaimed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, and there are lots of reasons to celebrate. According to experts at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the outlook for the 2008 crop is very good.

Thanks to favorable weather conditions, apple-lovers can expect excellent taste, size and color. For apple producers, the news is positive, too. The 2008 market for Virginia Grown apples looks strong with substantial demand.

Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, noted that apples are big business in Virginia. “Virginia apple picking ranked as the sixth largest apple-producing state in the nation in 2006,” he said. “With more than ten varieties grown in the Commonwealth, Virginia Grown apples have attracted national and international attention because they offer extended availability, delicious taste and high quality. In addition, they are more economical to transport within the U.S. because they are close to many major markets.”

But the real reason to celebrate Virginia Apple Month is the apples themselves. Virginia Grown apples are ready right now for picking, purchasing and of course, eating. Bins are brimming with fresh, local apples at retail grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands. At pick-your-own orchards and farms, apple trees are heavy with colorful fruit. What are you waiting for? apples

Nothing beats the crisp and crunchy, succulent and sweet taste of Virginia Grown apples. Because the state grows so many varieties, there is an excellent selection of just-picked apples from mid-summer through the end of October. Ginger Gold and Gala apples were harvested in August followed by Red and Golden Delicious as well as Jonathan apples in September. However, October is aptly named Virginia Apple Month with six varieties harvested: Rome apples in early October, York in early to mid-month, Winesaps, Staymans and Granny Smith apples in mid-October, and then Fujis late in the month.

Find apple recipes and tips on our Fall for the Colors of Greene Index or go to the Virginia Apple Webiste.

Fall for the Colors of Greene
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