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National Apple Day: Take a bite into a West Michigan staple

Over 60% of apples grown in Michigan are produced along the "fruit belt" in West Michigan.

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SPARTA, Mich. — Whether you slice it, chop it or bake it – you most likely have a Michigan-grown apple in your kitchen. 

Oct. 21 is National Apple Day, and the entire month of October is Michigan Apple Month. 

Looking to celebrate in West Michigan? Apple lovers will not have to travel far to enjoy homegrown apples. Over 60% of apples grown in Michigan are produced along the "fruit belt" in West Michigan. 

That’s an impressive feat considering Michigan is the nation’s second-largest producer of apples. More than 17.6 million apple trees cover 38,000 acres on 850 family-run farms in the state.

Sparta, which calls itself the village in the "heart of apple country," has several apple farmers. Sparta farmer Nick Schweitzer said West Michigan is the perfect area for apple crops to thrive. 

“The ridge is a special area,” he said. “It's about eight by 20 miles, and we're close enough to the lake, where that lake moderates our temperatures in the spring to protect the blossoms from those temperature swings where we get below freezing… also the rolling hills help drain some of that cold air down to the lower parts away from the trees, so that way, they're also protected. And we have a nice clay loam soil, which is great for growing fruit that's very rich in a lot of different nutrients, which is what gives us great Michigan apples.”

Want to get a slice of the fun?

Here's a list of orchards in West Michigan to celebrate with:

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