Late start brings bumper apple harvest

The Queensland Stanthorpe apple season has kicked off with Royal Gala apples available in stores now.
Growcom Stanthorpe Apple Special Interest Group chairman and Stanthorpe apple grower Daniel Nicoletti said excessive wet weather during the summer and lower temperatures during spring have delayed flowering and as a direct result the start of the season.
“Despite the late start to the season the Royal Gala apples are excellent in quality and this season will be a bumper harvest,” Mr Nicoletti said.
The cooler weather conditions could be seen as a blessing in disguise with consumers set to expect apples that are crunchy, sweet and juicy.
For the freshest apples consumers should look for Stanthorpe grown Royal Gala’s at your local green grocer, he said.
Royal Gala apples will be available in stores until October.
Queensland is Australia’s third highest apple producing state, with 99 per cent of the State’s apples grown in the Stanthorpe region.