It’s the beginning of apple season in Western North Carolina

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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This is a poorly written piece, but what do you expect from a bunch of radio folks at Hendersonville’s WHKP radio station. Still, it reminds us that apple season is here.

The Ginger Gold — that handsome, delicious Henderson County favorite…is one of the first ones in every year.  Accept for those who were hard hit by a hailstorm in the Upward Community a few weeks ago, and some others who’ve been damaged by scattered hail this season, most local apple growers are reporting an excellent crop of apples…and all just in time for the North Carolina Apple Festival later this month, which leads up to Labor Day.

But it’s more…a LOT more…that’s grown in Henderson County that’s being harvested, beginning right about now.  Grower Kenny Barnwell says he’s begun harvesting his sweet corn, squash, cucumbers. beans…and other local crops.  Some large tomato growers, like Kirby Johnson at  Flavor First, have reported an excellent tomato crop this year…and some varieties, like the popular “grape” tomatoes have sold very successfully on the market this season, in spite of the salmnella scare.

And Dean Barnwell, at Barnwell’s Packing House on Highway 64 East, just past North Henderson High School and Wolfpen…says he’s almost ready to begin making fresh cider, and starting another batch of apple cider vinegar.