Okanagan Apple Fruit

What Kinds Of Apples Can You Find Here?

Apple fruit is the hallmark of the Okanagan orchard industry and has been grown commercially in the Okanagan since the late 1800's, and along with the many types of Okanagan fruit, we enjoy apples fresh and delicious every year!

A French Catholic mission, Father Pandosy, established the first fruit orchards in the Okanagan Valley in the late 1862. The Okanagan's first commercial orchard did not appear until over 30 years after the first fruit trees were planted. Today there are more than 30 types of apples grown here. Harvest begins in July with summer varieties, and finishes off with fall varieties in late October!

The climate in the Okanagan is well suited for the production of fruit with low annual rainfall and plentiful sunshine, and lots of summer heat. The British Columbia apple industry is centered in the Okanagan Valley from Salmon Arm in the North Okanagan to Osoyoos in the South Okanagan, and the Similkameen Valley.

Types Of Apple Fruit

There are different kinds of apples that harvest at different times from early summer to late fall. Apple varieties differ widely in appearance, characteristics of flesh, their availability during apple season, and their suitability for different uses.

Several varieties of apple fruit were developed in the Okanagan, at the Summerland Research Station, also referred to as Agriculture Canada's Pacific Agri-Food Research Station. The federal government established the Dominion Experimental Farm in 1914, to study this, the 'dry belt' region of British Columbia for the tree fruit and grape industries. The first apple breeding program began in 1924, and since then, we've seen new varieties of fruits developed. Some of types developed have included the Sinta, Spartan and Summer Red variety.

Differences In Apple Varieties

A summer apple is softer, less juicy, but often just as sweet as fall fruit, but doesn't keep as long. These are excellent fresh eating fruit, and are used for baking, cooking and preserves just like the fall varieties. Flavor, crispness and juiciness also varies with each type of apple, and depends on fruit maturity at the time it is picked. They can be sweet, tart, smooth and soft, or crisp and crunchy, depending on the type and variety.

Fall harvests the absolute best varieties of apple fruit. Many fall apple varieties will keep for a long time, and if stored properly can even keep over winter.

If you love apple fruit, you've come to the right place to find a great variety of local harvested fruit and vegetables. Enjoy!

We hope to see you soon!