Why Honeycrisp Apples Delight Consumers but Frustrate Farmers: NPR
Honeycrisp apples captivate consumers but create challenges for farmers. This apple variety is gaining immense popularity in the United States, often outperforming traditional favorites like Red Delicious and Gala.
Consumer Delight and Farmer Frustration
Despite their widespread appeal at grocery stores, Honeycrisp apples present significant difficulties for producers. Kait Thornton, a fourth-generation farmer from Washington, shares insights into the complexities of growing these apples.
Storage Problems
While Honeycrisp apples are beloved for their unique foamy texture and thin skin, they present storage issues. According to Kait, “They can absolutely kill you” from a business perspective due to their poor storage capabilities.
Farmers like Kait face multiple challenges:
- High input costs for cultivation
- Bruising during picking
- Calcium deficiencies leading to disorders in storage
A Century of Apple Growing
The Thornton family has been cultivating apples for over a century. Established by Kait’s great-grandparents, the farm has expanded from 23 acres to more than 400 acres today. Currently, the farm grows a diverse range of apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, and SugarBee.
Variety Characteristics
Each apple variety carries its own distinct personality. Kait likens Honeycrisp apples to the “mean girl at a dance” and contrasts them with other varieties:
- Red Delicious: The old grandfatherly variety
- SugarBee: The sweet and charismatic choice
- Cosmic Crisp: Spunky and slightly tart
Notably, newer varieties like EverCrisp, which combines Fuji and Honeycrisp characteristics, are also being explored by farmers.
Encouragement for Variety
Kait emphasizes the importance of trying different apple varieties, suggesting that there is an ideal flavor profile for everyone. Ultimately, the diversity in apple cultivation allows farmers to cater to varying consumer preferences.
In conclusion, while Honeycrisp apples are a consumer favorite, they create intricate challenges for farmers. Their popularity is undeniable, but the farming community continually navigates the business hurdles they present.
