Central New York seeing fewer apples, higher prices in this year's harvest
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: September 25, 2012
Apple picking is a tradition that Anthony Ciotti and his family look forward to every year.
"My grand-kids, my wife, my daughter, everyone. They come here and pick, and it was so much fun, we take the ride out there and pick the apples," he said.
But because of an apple shortage around Central New York, and the entire state, Anthony's tradition's been put on hold for this year's apple season.
"It's kind of a bittersweet time of year because typically we're at full harvest. This year for most orchards in New York State, I think they're going to represent about 54 percent of an apple crop," said George Joseph, owner of North Star Orchards.
Joseph says the biggest problem this year is supply.
"The market is setting a price. The price is higher because of availability, but I think there are still good quality apples around, but the people will pay a little bit more for them this year," said Joseph. "Where they would normally grab maybe a half bushel, maybe they'll go with a half peck and wait and see," he said.
But there is a benefit to the shortage, Joseph says a smaller harvest means larger apples, which he says are juicer and sweeter for his customers.
"The plant only produces so much energy for it's fruit, and if there's less fruit, it puts more into the fruit that they do have," he said.
So despite the rising prices, are Central New Yorkers still going to get their fruit fix?
"The apples are still good, and I enjoy eating them, and the whole family does so we come and get the apples and cider and the baked goods," said Rome resident, Bruce Groff.
"My grand-kids, my wife, my daughter, everyone. They come here and pick, and it was so much fun, we take the ride out there and pick the apples," he said.
But because of an apple shortage around Central New York, and the entire state, Anthony's tradition's been put on hold for this year's apple season.
"It's kind of a bittersweet time of year because typically we're at full harvest. This year for most orchards in New York State, I think they're going to represent about 54 percent of an apple crop," said George Joseph, owner of North Star Orchards.
Joseph says the biggest problem this year is supply.
"The market is setting a price. The price is higher because of availability, but I think there are still good quality apples around, but the people will pay a little bit more for them this year," said Joseph. "Where they would normally grab maybe a half bushel, maybe they'll go with a half peck and wait and see," he said.
But there is a benefit to the shortage, Joseph says a smaller harvest means larger apples, which he says are juicer and sweeter for his customers.
"The plant only produces so much energy for it's fruit, and if there's less fruit, it puts more into the fruit that they do have," he said.
So despite the rising prices, are Central New Yorkers still going to get their fruit fix?
"The apples are still good, and I enjoy eating them, and the whole family does so we come and get the apples and cider and the baked goods," said Rome resident, Bruce Groff.
