Michigan’s Most-Planted Apple Comes With a Little Attitude

Michigan apparently has a favorite apple, and our farmers have been paying attention. If you thought Honeycrisp, you're one smart apple.

Honeycrisp Passes Gala as Michigan’s Most-Planted Apple

According to MLive, Honeycrisp has officially passed Gala as Michigan's most-planted apple variety. USDA data from 2022 shows the switch happened right around 2018.

READ MORE: This Honeycrisp Season In Michigan Is Shaping Up To Be Sweet

Now, that doesn't mean everybody in Michigan collectively said this was their favorite apple. It means there are more Honeycrisp trees growing here than any other variety.

Why Michigan Growers Are Planting More Honeycrisp Trees

Apparently, enough of us kept reaching for them that growers decided to plant more.

Honestly, who can blame them? The crunch, with just the right amount of sweetness and tartness, makes a pretty convincing argument.

However, while we get to enjoy them, farmers have a little more work on their hands.

Why Growers Call Honeycrisp a Diva

The Michigan Apple Committee describes Honeycrisp as a diva. And yes, we're talking about an apple.

They're difficult to grow, harvest and store. Workers even have to clip each apple's stem so it doesn't poke through another apple's thin skin in the bin.

How High-Density Planting Changes Michigan Orchards

Modern orchards are also helping growers fit more trees into less space. High-density planting can accommodate around 2,000 trees per acre, compared with roughly 180 to 200 in a traditional orchard.

The trees stay smaller and use supports, making pruning and picking them easier without a ton of ladders.

As for this year's crop, the Michigan Apple Committee says quality, size and color are looking strong, with above-average crops across the state.