Taking the green out of Red Delicious.

• Position: Apple growing in North Carolina - Tar Heel Tattler

Taking the green out of Red Delicious

The days when Red Delicious apples were top banana in Henderson County might be numbered.

Springtime freezes are taking the shine off America's favorite apple in the state's top apple-growing county. Last year, for instance, county apple farmers lost about two-thirds of their Red Delicious crop.

This year, apples will bring an estimated $15 million to $18 million into the county, compared with $25 million for an average crop and $29 million in a bumper year. In the '80s, apple revenues fell below the $20 million to $25 million mark eight out of 10 years. In 1986, revenues dipped to less than $500,000.

The Red Delicious is the culprit in this roller-coaster price ride. "Everybody likes a red apple," says Grover Westmoreland, the county extension agent. And farmers like the price they get for this variety -- $1 to $1.50 more...