Apple growers, Riveridge, in Sparta, Michigan are behind MI Apple Box. Riveridge is a sixth-generation apple grower who markets apples under their name to retailers all across the United States. In that packaging, are apples from hundreds of other multi-generational family orchards from Michigan. We’ll profile many of those families right here on the website!

 Since apple growing began, apples were picked in the fall and went into cold storage. Long ago, that meant a cellar-type of environment that was a cool, dark space – that was before refrigeration was invented. Today apples go into controlled atmosphere (CA) rooms where they’re at a precise cold temperature, just the right humidity and the room is sealed until they’re ready to be packed. When the room is closed in the fall, the oxygen is pulled from the room, putting the apples to “sleep” until they’re ready to be packaged.

Each month we’ll select a new variety. While all apples are harvested August to November, we know when each variety comes into its best flavor and we send them out in order. We’ll share each coming variety on this website as the month comes up.

 As much as the apples look great in a bowl on the counter, they like to stay cold like the chilly nights of harvest. Keep the apples in the refrigerator, better yet, the crisper drawer, to help them last longer and stay crisp and juicy.

Recycle and reuse, of course! The box can go in your recycling bin and use the foam to package up things you may want to pack on the next item you sell. Or use the entire box to protect treasured family ornaments.