Washington Apple History
In the fertile valleys and plateaus of America's far west, growers tend orchards that produce the world's best apples.
More than 225,000 acres of orchards are nestled in the eastern foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountains at elevations from 500 to 3,000 feet above sea level. The orchards are irrigated with plentiful and cool mountain water.
The area first became known to American pioneers at the turn of the 19th century and by 1826, early settlers had discovered the area's rich lava-ash soil and plentiful sunshine created perfect conditions for growing apples. The arid climate also meant fewer insect and disease problems and a smoother finish on the apples than in some other places.
Noting the health and vigor of apple trees planted along stream banks, pioneers developed irrigation systems and by 1889, commercial orchards were established. Most apple-growing districts in the state are still located along the banks of major rivers.
The average size of an orchard is about 100 acres, but some cover as many as 3,000 acres and employ 300 or more workers year-round. An estimated 35,000 to 45,000 pickers are employed during the peak of harvest.
Washington state growers successfully harvest a wide variety of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala and many others. Orchardists continually improve growing methods to produce apples that are crisper, juicier, more flavorful and store better.
Growers now use dwarf trees in high-density plantings to bring new orchards into production faster. This allows orchardists to get faster return on their investment and to respond more quickly to consumer demand for popular new varieties. The smaller trees also improve harvest efficiency because the apples are easier to reach. Short ladders can be used by pickers. Each apple is handpicked