Susan Brown, professor of horticulture and world-renowned apple breeder says this will be a great year for apples.
Brown bred the SnapDragon and RubyFrost varieties at Cornell University. Cornell has released over 65 apple varieties since the late 1890s, including the popular Cortland, Macoun, Empire and Jonagold.
Bio: https://hort.cals.cornell.edu/people/susan-brown/
Brown says:
What to expect this season: “This will be a great year for apples – with an abundant supply and incredible offerings.”
Apple picking: “Check with your local grower for hours of operation for U-pick. Pick carefully so spurs are not torn off with your apple. Most people think you should pull apples down to pick, but instead, a quick twist and lifting the fruit up will easily release the stem from the tree.
“In picking apples at the store and orchards, bigger isn’t always better. Medium size will be most consistent and less likely to be wasted. Avoid apples that are greasy, or slippery to the touch. These apples are over mature and will not store as well and may have softened. At home and during apple picking, leave the apples on the ground alone.
“Store your fruits in the refrigerator if possible. They will stay fresher much longer. Keep away from vegetables since they will make those ripen quicker. That is why we have two separate drawers in the fridge.”
Don’t search for perfect fruit: “Some apples have a fine rough surface that is tan colored on parts of the surface. This may be russet-damage caused by frost. It is fine to eat and is only skin deep. Also, you may see smaller or some misshapen fruit. These apples taste just as good as a perfectly shaped fruit.”
Get to know a new variety: “Your grower doesn’t have Mutsu, try a different apple, there are so many to choose from! For baking try a mix of several apples to balance firmness, juiciness and flavors. Have a family taste test. Set out different apple slices as 'A', 'B' and 'C' and see what is a favorite – you may be surprised.”
Cornell University has television, ISDN and dedicated Skype/Google+ Hangout studios available for media interviews.
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