Early apple harvest reported in Southern Finland as warm spring weather boosts yields

The apple harvest season has started exceptionally early this year in Southern Finland, as noted by Toni Rahkonen, vice-chairman of the Fruit and Berry Growers’ Union. Rahkonen operates his own apple farm near Turku in Parainen. “Currently, apples are being harvested; the first ones were picked last week. I’ve never harvested apples this early before,” he said. This year’s early bloom is attributed to the warm spring weather. However, Rahkonen expects the overall apple yield to be normal, suggesting adequate supplies nationwide for the fall and winter months.

The peak of the apple season is upon us, and berry picking continues well into autumn. The mushroom picking season is set to start soon, with predictions of a particularly good yield.

The warm spring has also expedited berry harvesting across Finland, according to Tarja Matomäki, chair of the Fruit and Berry Growers’ Union. “We are ahead of schedule for all berries this year. Some berries have ripened up to two weeks earlier than usual. For example, the strawberry season for this year’s plantings is nearing its end in Southern Finland, although northern regions still enjoy strawberries well into the summer,” Matomäki explained. She also highlighted that continuous-bearing strawberry varieties will provide fruit into late autumn.

Raspberry season is currently at its best, although it too faced winter damage. Matomäki advised that now is the perfect time to freeze raspberries.

The mushroom season appears particularly promising thanks to a rainy and warm summer, with expectations of an extended harvest period. The carrot harvest is also looking normal, with the peak season expected in September and October. Lastly, the potato harvest, while generally favorable, may face some localized issues due to heavy rainfall. However, there are ample domestic potatoes expected to last well into the fall.