In addition to exporting these crops around the country and the world, Yakima draws people from around Washington State, the Pacific Northwest, and even other parts of America to buy fruit and produce fresh from farmers at the many farms and fruit stands around the valley. 

The Yakima Valley is most well known for its apples, cherries, hops, and grapes. Other main fruit crops are pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, prunes, and apricots, as well as many vegetables.  In recent years the popularity and production of cherries has risen significantly. Another up and coming area of interest is organic produce, as more and more people are seeking out organic, local foods.      

More than half of all the apples grown in the U.S. for fresh consumption come from Washington State. While apples are available year round due to cold storage, the harvest season lasts from mid-August to early November. Other crops are in prime season between June and September. Apples are the largest agricultural product of Washington State. 10 to 12 billion apples are harvested in Washington every year, and each one is picked by hand, since there are no machines that harvest apples.  The average American eats about 19 and a half pounds of fresh apples each year, and the most popular variety in the U.S. is Red Delicious. About 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in this country, and more than 7,000 varieties are grown all over the world.

Fresh fruit is a delicious summer treat with outstanding nutritional benefits as well. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Scientists are just beginning to understand how these substances help to promote health, slow down the aging process, and protect the body against disease. Research suggests that vitamins and nutrients consumed in fresh, whole fruits are better absorbed and utilized by the body than vitamins from supplements. 

All-around, the Yakima Valley is a great place to visit and buy fresh fruit and produce. The valley offers many attractions for visitors and residents alike. If you're traveling to Yakima there are many hotels and motels to choose from, as well as unique bed and breakfast accommodations. 

Interesting apple facts:

• Apples are actually a member of the rose family.
• Apples float because 25% of their volume is air.
• If you put all of the Washington State apples picked in a year side-by-side, they would circle the Earth 12 times.
• Apples originated in Kazakhstan and were carried east by traders on the Silk Road.
• The only apple native to North America is the crabapple.