Mother Nature’s apple crops in the South Okanagan are shaping up nicely, according to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
“The forecast shows a strong harvest,” said association vice-president Pinder Dhaliwal.
He noted that growers have started harvesting varieties such as Galas and MacIntosh.
Next up is the popular Ambrosia variety, which is slated for harvest in the next week or so, Dhaliwal said.
He pointed out that recent rains and cool nights have helped the Gala crop colour nicely.
“It has been optimum apple weather,” Dhaliwal stated.
Asked what is the best tasting apple out there, the vice-president said it would have to be Sunrise, the summer apple. Although it is not very popular, he agreed.
“Sunrise doesn’t store well, but the Gala and Ambrosia, you can store them for nine months.”
Dhaliwal said if the Sunrise was a winter apple, it would likely take over in popularity.
The vice-president referred to the Ambrosia as the newer generation apple, while the MacIntosh is an old time variety that grandfathers tell their grandkids about.
“It’s like my kids. They don’t know who Wayne Gretzky is,” Dhaliwal said.
Except for the hail storm earlier this year, the peach crop managed to pull through this year, he noted.
“We can’t complain. The size is nice overall.”
Dhaliwal said the Bartlett pear crop has turned out really nice this year, with good sizing.
Anjo pears will be next on the harvest schedule, he pointed out.
Dhaliwal said they can’t predict how good returns will be for growers until the harvest is off in five or six weeks.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Jean and Dave Evans can’t wait to market their new apple variety, the Okana, to the South Okanagan and the world.
Keith Lacey photo
