Israelis consume 15,000 tons of apples during the month of September because of the traditions involving apples and honey on Rosh Hashana, almost 50% more than the rest of the year's average consumption. According to Amos Levin, general manager of the Galilee Development Corporation and chairman of the apple division in the production plants in Israel and the sector's organization, this year's apple harvest in Israel is of a particularly high quality.
This year's apple harvest, between August and November, Levin noted has an excellent size, colour and flavour. "This Summer's cooler temperatures, especially at night, helped crops achieve a higher quality," he said.
95% of the apples in Israel are grown in the hills of Galilee and the Golan, as apples require a cooler weather to grow better. Apple crops are in the hills that are 600 meters or more in height and cover 42,000 dunams (10,500 acres).
More than 100,000 tons of apples are sold in Israel each year. The apple's market value amounts to NIS 700 million a year and is the basis for the Golan Heights' local economy. In addition to its local production, Israel imports about 7,000 tons of apples from the US and Europe.
Source: infopublico.com
