Washington apple crop 1 of largest in history



YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — This year's Washington apple crop is one of the largest in history.

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association estimates the crop at 138.2 million 40-pound boxes.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that figure is well above the 116.7 million boxes harvested a year ago. But this year's crop is smaller than the record 141.8 million boxes of 2014.

The association says the harvest is nearly complete statewide. The crop estimate only includes apples expected to be sold fresh, rather than sent to a processor for conversion into juice or applesauce.

Gala was the top variety, making up 23.5% of the overall Washington crop. Red Delicious was No. 2 at 19.7%.