Le Pommier: What Is Your State Fruit?

“If life gives you lemons, make apple juice and make people wonder how the hell you did it.” ~ Gurbaksh Chahal

Overview

The apple is one of the most popular fruits embodying ‘State Fruit’ status. In France, they revere the apple, otherwise known as Le Pommier. Americans take pride in the apple; it has nostalgic significance, and seven states in our union proudly choose it as their fruit. Each state’s backstory sparks intrigue as to why the apple became their state fruit. Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) collects data on New York’s crop reports and estimates that the State of New York harvests over 30 million bushels of apples each year. By 1995, West Virginia wrote and passed legislation designating the Golden Delicious Apple as its State Fruit. We are proud of our agricultural capabilities in the United States and take the time to share our backstories because passing on the legacy to generations and beyond us is essential.

Illinois

The Illinois state fruit is The Gold Rush apple, named by the state in 2007. The Gold Rush apple comes from the lineage of the Golden Delicious varietal. Not only is it the state fruit, but it is also a heritage apple used in hard cider production. These sweet-tart apples are favored for their balanced, acidic, sweet, and spicy flavors and can create a dry cider with notes of citrus, ginger, and honey.

Minnesota

The Honey Crisp apple was named the state fruit in 2006; the apple was first produced by the Agricultural Sciences Department at the University of Minnesota in 1960. They crossed a Hacoun and Honeycrisp apple to develop a winter hardy tree.

New York

Apples were adopted as the state fruit in 1976; after all, New York is one of the largest producers of apples, growing over six varieties statewide. The apple market employs over 500,000 workers who process, pack, and ship globally. Europeans brought apple seeds to the New World in the 1600s. They planted trees and grew apples for cider and dried goods processing. The state of New York then designed the Apple Muffin as the state muffin in 1987.

Pennsylvania

The apple earned its state fruit of Pennsylvania designation in 1988. Apples were chosen because apples are grown in every county throughout the state. 35% of those going to market are processed for fresh market consumption, and 65% goes to cider, juice, and applesauce.

Washington

The state of Washington is America’s top producer of apples, with over 135 million bushels annually. With over 2,834 cideries producing over producing $600M in revenues. The Washington apple is undoubtedly one of the most recognized symbols of the state worldwide.

West Virginia

West Virginia voted the state fruit in the Golden Delicious on February 20, 1995. The Golden Delicious apple is good for pies, applesauce, and baking. The natural sweetness of the Golden Delicious offers a juicy flavor to pies and sauces. The apple market in West Virginia is nearly 100 million pounds, averaging $15M-$20M annually.

Vermont

Apples were adopted as the state fruit in May 1999; they grow over ten varietals throughout the state. Apples were brought from Kazakhstan and then to the New World. New England grew apples for a handful of reasons: food supply for the community and its livestock. Vermont produces over 40 million pounds of apples and 3000 acres listed in their annual crop report. There are over 25 cider producers based in Vermont, and the price per bushel runs $31-$40. Apple orchards require 3 to 4 years to reach total production.

Wrapping It Up

There are seven states in the union, all who acknowledge the almighty apple. A durable and well-respected fruit, each state proudly markets what it offers. They have a proud story to share, from creating fruit trees in university labs to planting thousands of acres for fresh fruit production. Nearly all of the characteristics of each varietal must provide sweet and juicy fruit for the masses. Enjoy your fruit!