This season, Henderson County orchards faced a challenge in the form of a spring freeze. Terry Kelley, county Cooperative Extension director and a crop agent, said the freeze Western North Carolina experienced in April will certainly affect the yield of this season's crop.
The crop suffered two significant incidents; the first was manageable, but coupled with the second – as a series of multiple nights in late April where the temperature fell to the low 20s - the weather inflicted substantial damage.
While there may not be the usual surplus of apples, many of the farms and orchards still have much to offer, from dozens of apple varieties, cider and baked goods to fun activities and scenic picnic areas. Some orchards and fruit stands are already open, and many others are planning to open over the next few weeks.
"Everybody was affected to some degree," Kelley told eu.citizen-times.com. "But I think you'll find most everybody has some apples. There's apples here."