(Courtesy of New York Apple Association © New York Apple Association)

We’ve had so much rain in New York over the past several months I’m afraid to go more than a few blocks from home without an umbrella for fear of getting drenched by monsoon-style rain.

I don’t remember an August when there’s been more abundant greenery, but all the wetness has made it a disappointing Summer for those perennial local treats, fresh tomatoes and sweet corn. Still, there is some good news on the fresh food front. Apparently, all that rain is going to yield a tremendous crop of New York apples this Fall.

With about 45,000 acres in production, New York is the second largest apple-producing state in the U.S. So, fresh cider from the farmers market, apple crumbles and apple pie from local bakers, sliced apples on cheese and charcuterie platters and in salads, baked apples with honey and cinnamon, bring it on!

“High demand for ‘home grown’ fruit is driving consumers to fresh New York apples in bigger numbers than ever before. Many of New York’s orchards are within one tank of gas to 30 million consumers,” according to a press release from the New York Apple Association.

“Because local demand is so strong, we are relieved we should have enough New Crop apples for everyone,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association.

If you’d like to read the entire press release on which this item was based go to: Consumers Should Expect Larger Apples from Local Growers this Fall

To follow American Feast on Facebook go to: American Feast on Facebook