Vienna, Va. — It's harvest time! Can't you just taste that juicy, crunchy, flavorful apple fresh from the tree? From sweet to tart to tangy, with a multitude of textures and flavors, this season's crop is sure to offer plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. New varieties and old favorites are available now at your nearby retailer. Versatile apples and apple products are an easy addition to that fall salad, casserole or evening treat, adding that special touch of flavor and texture. And, don't forget that apples also provide exceptional health and nutrition benefits for you and your family.

What's New
Looking for some new tastes and flavors for those fall recipes? Try one of the latest juicy, crispy up-and-coming varieties hitting shelves in a supermarket near you. Get your taste buds flowing with the aromatic, light-juicy Pacific Rose®, sweet-crunchy Jazz®, and crispy-sweet Honeycrisp. Get that party started with the tart-bicolor Piñata®. Snack on a sweet-crispy-juicy Ambrosia. Or, try the zingy Pink Lady®, sweet-tart Cameo®, or light-juicy Zestar!®.

According to Jim Cranney, Vice President of U.S. Apple Association, "There has been an upward trend of a varietal mix of apples, including novel varieties such as Cameo and Pink Lady. Consumers seem happier with this mix of availability and selection."

According to the latest U.S. apple industry forecast, the total apple crop is estimated at 229 million bushels of apples, which is equivalent to about 77 apples per person! This figure includes both fresh and processed apples.

What will you most likely find? Numerous exploding flavors that will entice any mood, meal or preference! The top ten most available across the U.S. include:

• Red Delicious, the consistent favorite
• Gala, crispy-sweet
• Golden Delicious, mellow-sweet
• Granny Smith, tart
• Fuji, sweet-firm
• McIntosh, tangy-tart
• Rome, a Baker's favorite
• Empire, sweet-tart
• York, crisp-flavorful
• Jonathan, spicy-tangy

Locally-grown and good tasting
Today's consumer is interested in locally grown, fresh, tasty produce that is of high quality. In addition, organic apples are an increasing niche market for apples, like other produce items. So, how do you pick a good, tasty apple? Look for good color, crunch and firmness, which will equal good quality for today's consumer.

Apples and Weight Control
Apples may help you lose weight. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 70.8% of men and 61.8% of women are overweight and obese. In addition, the prevalence of childhood obesity has almost doubled since 1970. The answer? More emphasis should be placed on nutrient dense, high-satiety foods, like apples.

Apples are packed with soluble fiber and a high water content, which both help keep you full longer. In addition, that fiber may help promote heart health, cancer and aid in good digestion. Research has also proven that eating a high fiber diet may contribute to long-term weight management. As a result, eating apples may help you eat less, stay full longer and contribute to weight control.

For more tips on finding a good apple, apple health, nutrition or recipe information, go to www.usapple.org for more information.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.