Ellsworth American interviews Moran about Maine’s apple crop 

The Ellsworth American spoke with Renae Moran, an associate professor of pomology at the University of Maine and a fruit tree specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for an article about this year’s apple crop. The 2019 Maine apple crop is sweet but not abundant, The Ellsworth American reported. “The color is excellent thanks to cool nights,” Moran said. “Cool temperatures enhance sweetness. Fruit size is good thanks to consistent rain.” Moran also explained that fruit flavor is best when the crop load is light. “I noticed this in the peaches this summer,” she said. “We had a very heavy crop on all varieties and their flavor was good, but not great.” Moran said she is now concerned about getting all the apples picked before the first freeze. “If they are frozen, they become unmarketable,” she said.