Applejack Named Nebraska Apple of the Year

Applejack is Perfect Fall Apple

With its sweet-tart flavor, crisp white flesh, and bright red skin, Applejack is a perfect fall apple. It was named Nebraska’s Apple of the Year at Arbor Day Farm’s 2023 Nebraska Apple Growers meeting. Arbor Day Farm’s Apple Variety Guide describes the fruit as “excellent” for eating, cooking, and baking.

Other Top Contenders

Other top contenders for the 2023 Nebraska Apple of the Year were:

• Goldrush
• Crimson Crisp
• Honeycrisp
• Evercrisp
• Fuji
• Gala

These apples are all known for their excellent flavor, quality, and adaptability to Nebraska’s growing conditions.

Nebraska City Celebrates Apples

The Nebraska Apple of the Year competition is held annually as part of Applejack Festival, a celebration of Nebraska’s apple harvest. The festival is held in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the state’s oldest city and home to Arbor Day Farm. The four-day festival features apple-themed events, including an apple pie contest, apple butter making, and apple cider pressing. The 2023 Applejack Festival will be held from September 21-24.

Arbor Day Farm a Great Place for Apple Lovers

Arbor Day Farm is a Nebraska City landmark and a great place to learn about apples and other fruit trees. The farm has more than 250 varieties of apples, as well as pears, plums, cherries, and peaches. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm, learn about the history of apple growing in Nebraska, and sample fresh apples and other fruits.

The Future of Apples in Nebraska

The Nebraska apple industry is growing, and new varieties like Applejack are helping to drive that growth. With its favorable climate and soils, Nebraska is well-suited for apple production. The state has a long history of apple growing, and Nebraska apples are known for their high quality and flavor. The Nebraska Apple Growers Association is working to promote the state’s apple industry and to help growers adopt new technologies and practices.

The future of apples in Nebraska is bright. With new varieties like Applejack and a growing demand for local food, the state’s apple industry is poised for continued growth. Applejack is just one of the many great apples that are grown in Nebraska. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, reach for a Nebraska apple.