By Chowning Johnson
University of Georgia

Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne caused major damage
to many crops in the Southeast. But they didn’t take a big bite
out of north Georgia apples.

The storms uprooted a few trees, said Eddie Ayers, the University
of Georgia Extension Service coordinator in Fannin County. But
most trees were unharmed. And most of the apples stayed on their
branches.

Gilmer and Fannin counties are north Georgia’s largest apple
producers, followed by Habersham, Hall and Rabun counties.
Despite the weather, farmers in these counties are optimistic
about this fall’s crop. And they’re happy to have escaped the
brunt of the tropical storms.

“Every year is unique in the fruit business, and farmers have
different challenges,” Ayers said. “But the farmers … have put
together a good quality crop.”

Apple time

Apple harvesting began in late August, Ayers said. It’s expected
to continue until mid- to late November.

“We’re just getting into harvesting the very popular varieties,”
he said. “People really enjoy picking up Golden Delicious, Fuji,
Granny Smith and others and taking a bite out of them.”

With the top choices now in harvest, many people venture to the
north Georgia mountains to enjoy the fall leaves, cool weather
and fresh apples. They shouldn’t have any problem, Ayers said,
finding ripe, juicy apples to sink their teeth into.

Some growers will let you pick your own apples. Others set up
roadside stands full of fresh apples for sale. Freshly made apple
turnovers, cider and other products only add to sightseeing
shoppers’ seasonal sensations.

(Chowning Johnson is a student writer with the University of
Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. CAES
news editor John Harrell also contributed to this article.)