Glenmont, NY – New York Apple Sales (NYAS), Inc. is now shipping latest-harvest apple varieties from Nova Scotia to customers in the U.S. and beyond. Orchards that are part of the Scotian Gold Cooperative grow and harvest Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and Sonya apples grown in the Annapolis Valley, near the Bay of Fundy. The three Nova Scotia-grown varieties being imported and distributed by New York Apple Sales offer interesting differentiation from their domestic counterparts. [Orders are still being taken by NYAS. Contact information is provided at the close of this release.]
“Warm days, cool nights, and the best agricultural soils in Atlantic Canada are three keys to why we produce such beautifully vibrant, well-colored apples,” says Waldo Walsh, president/owner of Birchleigh Farms Ltd. “These factors also contribute to wonderfully firm, flavorful fruit that has a bright, intense flavor profile.” Nova Scotia has the latest apple-growing season in North America. Trees don’t bloom until the later weeks of May, with the Honeycrisp harvest typically starting during the last week of September, and Ambrosia and Sonya picking to follow.
“The Scotian Gold Cooperative maintains high standards, uses superior technology, and completely understands the importance of paying attention to every aspect of quality agriculture, from planting to harvest to storage,” notes Kaari Stannard, owner of New York Apple Sales. Larry Lutz, owner of Lutz Family Farm (and recently retired Director of Grower Services for Scotian Gold), talks about some of their proven techniques. “Honeycrisp are preconditioned by storing in controlled warmer conditions before they are placed in high tech cold storage,” he says. “This helps prevent issues like soft scald and internal browning.” Lutz adds that the cool Nova Scotia climate means apples can be harvested slightly immature, but with full color. This also contributes to their exceptional keeping properties and ongoing freshness.
The Scotian Gold Growers have been providing apples to New York Apple Sales for three years. “At our orchard, we’ve always said we’ll never settle,” says Lisa Jenereaux, a fifth generation farmer and co-owner of Spurr Brothers Farms. “And that we want to be constantly learning and always trying new things. The people at New York Apple Sales demonstrate the same vision and are also dedicated to total quality. I believe that’s why we work so well together.” In terms of trying new things, Scotian Gold growers take advantage of high-density planting, dwarf rootstocks, and using smaller trees for better light distribution as just three examples of their forward thinking.
Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and Sonya apples from Scotian Gold are available from New York Apple Sales now in, 3# poly and tray pack cartons. The striking, rich color of these apples, along with their intense flavors and exceptional storage and display longevity, have already made them favorites of many stateside consumers. Quantities are limited, though Scotian Gold Cooperative continues to expand with new plantings and increase volume each year.
In terms of flavors and characteristics, the Scotian Gold Cooperative describes the three apples in these ways:
* Honeycrisp is an apple “cross” made in 1960 at the University of Minnesota. Through genetic testing, it’s known that Fireside, another University of Minnesota
apple, is one one parent. The other parent remains unconfirmed. It is exceptionally crispy and juicy. Flavor ranges from mild and well balanced to strongly aromatic, depending on the maturity.
* Ambrosia is sweet, crisp, juicy and aromatic. Its flavor makes it an excellent apple for slicing.
* Sonya, probably less familiar to American consumers than Ambrosia or Honeycrisp, is cross between a Gala and Red Delicious, creating an apple that is exceptionally sweet with the flavor of raw sugar cane. Sonya apples are easy to handle and store with exceptional shelf life.
New York Apple Sales can assist retailers with ordering, special configurations, and more information. Phone 585.477.7200 or e-mail sales@newyorkapplesales.com.
About New York Apple Sales
New York Apple Sales, Inc., is the state’s largest and most diverse apple sales agency, with headquarters in Glenmont, NY. The company teams with multiple growers and packing facilities throughout New York State – located in all the major growing regions – to deliver the best selection, competitive pricing, and superior fruit all year long. For the freshest apples and pears, greater variety, premier quality, and superb service, New York Apple Sales has developed a reputation as the company to trust and count on as customers have done for over 50 years. Valued, reliable relationships with suppliers mean New York Apple Sales can always deliver a consistent supply of high-quality fruit with greater packing and shipping flexibility. More information is available at newyorkapplesales.com.
Source: New York Apple Sales
