Pennsylvania Farm Markets Feature State-Grown Apples

(Harrisburg, PA) – The trend is to buy fresh, local ingredients. And that’s okay with the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board. “People like to know where their food is coming from; they want to see the face behind the apple,” said Karin Rodriguez, executive director for the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program.

Consumers can now log onto their website, www.pennsylvaniaapples.org, and quickly locate the Pennsylvania farm markets that feature fresh apples. Said Rodriguez, “You can search for a market by geographic location, find what apple varieties are in season, and many of the markets have Web links to make it easy to find their hours and calendar of events.”

And just as the state of Pennsylvania is diverse in terms of people and geography, so are the farm markets. Depending where you go, a visit to the local market might also include wagon rides through the orchard, a petting zoo, free concerts, educational programs and more. “Some of our larger farm markets are family destinations – where there are activities that take place throughout the day,” said Rodriguez. “And then there are the smaller markets and road side stands; they often only sell what they grow on the farm. These markets may have a smaller inventory and may not offer the activities of a larger market, but their customers are just as loyal.”

There are Pennsylvania growers who are fifth, sixth and even seventh generation and they take a lot of pride in the products they sell. Said Rodriguez, “When you visit a farm market, you get an experience you won’t get at a larger chain store. At the market, you can meet and talk with the growers, sample a new apple variety, or even walk out with an old family recipe.”

Many Pennsylvania farm markets are open year round, but the majority of the markets have the biggest selection of fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer and fall months. As cooler weather approaches, it’s the state’s apple crop that takes center stage. Pennsylvania apple growers produce approximately 440 million pounds of apples each year, making Pennsylvania the fourth largest apple-producing state in the country. From popular varieties like Gala, HoneycrispTM and Red Delicious, to heirloom varieties like Northern Spy, Winesap and Smokehouse, to brand new varieties just being introduced to consumers in select locations, Pennsylvania’s farm markets provide a lot of options.

In addition to a variety of fresh apples, many markets also sell fresh cider, as well as a variety of homemade apple goods like pies, dumplings, sauce and butter. “Whether you’re looking for a day of activity, or just need to pick up some fresh apples for the kids’ lunches, Pennsylvania’s farm markets really do have something for everyone,” said Rodriguez.

Source: Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board