Apple Growing
Roots and Continuing Development
The apple packing industry began in Thornbury in the 1880s. The Georgian Bay Fruit Growers Association was formed in 1905 by John Mitchell (of apple juice fame), and incorporated in 1911.
There are approximately 160 different commercial apple growing operations in the Georgian Bay area. Recent yields have been as high as 3 million bushels of fruit, with about 40% of this fruit being packed and sold as fresh, whole apples.
In recent years, local grower Global Fruit purchased the only royalty in Ontario to grow the Dutch apple, Red Prince. This new apple, which appeared in Europe initially in 1994, is a cross between the Golden Delicious and a Red Jonathan. The apple is red, crunchy, sweet and juicy. It's ideal for eating on its own, baking, cooking and even for salads.
It was officially launched in Ontario in 2010 with great success and will be available for nationwide distribution as of 2011. Locally, the Red Prince apple is available at the Thornbury Foodland and Sobeys stores across Ontario from February to early summer.
What you'll notice most about the Red Prince apple is the taste!
