Michigan is the country’s top producer of these 7 foods

Michigan is an agricultural powerhouse. From tart cherries to squash, the Mitten State is the nation’s leading producer of seven common food commodities. 

Many of the foods found in grocery carts and kitchens across the US come from Michigan, one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation. Michigan is home to almost 10 million acres of farmland on which approximately 300 types of food and agricultural products are grown. Everything from apples and blueberries to wheat and sugar beets grows in Michigan.

Every year, the food and agriculture industry contributes more than $104.7 billion to the state’s economy. Michigan is the top producer of several foods, from tart cherries to chestnuts. Keep reading to discover more about these Michigan-grown foods and their economic impact on the state. 

1. Tart cherries

Michigan is the leading producer of Montmorency tart cherries—not just in the US but in the world. (Tart cherries are those used for cooking and baking, while sweet ones are eaten fresh.) The Mitten State produces about 70 percent of the country’s tart cherries. That’s about 200 million pounds valued at more than $280 million. 

Traverse City is nicknamed the Cherry Capital of the World and hosts the National Cherry Festival every year. Modern-day cherry production in Michigan began in the mid-1800s near Traverse City. Thanks to nearby Lake Michigan, which tames Arctic winds in the wintertime and cools the cherry orchards in the summer, this region in Michigan is ideal for growing cherries.

Michigan cherries are used in delicious ways—from filling in Grand Traverse Pie Company’s Cherry Crumb Pie to Chateau Grand Traverse’s all-natural cherry wine. Fresh sweet cherries are available from late June through August, but processed tart cherries are available year-round. 

2. Black beans, cranberry beans, and small red beans

Beans are a big deal in Michigan. The state is the top producer of dry black beans, cranberry beans, and small red beans. Michigan produces about 400 million pounds of edible beans and ranks second overall in the production of total dry beans and navy beans. In 2022, about 514 million pounds of dry edible beans were produced in Michigan, with a value of $234 million.

Most of the state’s beans are produced in the “thumb” region. Dry beans in Michigan are harvested from late August until October. 

3. Potatoes (for potato chip processing) 

Potato chip lovers should thank Michigan farmers—Michigan produces more potatoes for potato chip processing than any other state. One of every four bags of potato chips in the country is filled with potatoes grown in Michigan. 

Potatoes are grown all throughout the state—from the Upper Peninsula down to the Ohio border—and the starchy vegetable is Michigan’s second-most-grown produce. The potato crop is valued at more than $245 million annually, and its economic contribution is estimated to be about $2.53 billion. The potato harvest in Michigan starts in July and ends in October. 

Michigan is home to several potato chip brands, including Better Made Snack Food Company, Great Lakes Potato Chips, and Downey’s Potato Chips. 

4. Asparagus 

Michigan produces about 26 million pounds of asparagus per year, making it the nation’s top producer of the spring vegetable. Michigan asparagus is more tender and flavorful than asparagus from other states because of the way it’s harvested (hand-snapped above ground). 

There are almost 10,000 acres of farmland for asparagus in Michigan—most of which is located near the shoreline of Lake Michigan, where the soil is sandy and the temperatures are moderate. 

Oceana County, located on the state’s west side, is nicknamed the Asparagus Capital of the World and hosts the annual National Asparagus Festival.

Harvest season begins in late April—asparagus is one of the first crops to appear in spring—and runs through June. 

5. Chestnuts

Chestnuts are the only nut on this list. Michigan is the country’s top producer of these nuts and grows them on about 140 farms spread across 650 acres. Fresh chestnuts are available from October through December. However, chestnuts are a biannual crop in Michigan, which means they’re harvested every other year. 

The chestnut industry is relatively new in Michigan. The first chestnut production organization dates back to 1990, whereas modern-day blueberry farming in Michigan began in the early 1900s. 

6. Cucumbers (for pickling)

Michigan is the top producer of cucumbers used for pickling in the US (In a Crain’s Detroit Business article, the state was dubbed the “center of the pickleverse.”) Michigan produces about 236,700 tons of cucumbers with a value of $47 million. The Mitten State is also ranked third for the production of fresh market cucumbers (those sold fresh to consumers), producing about 68 million pounds and generating $15 million in sales. 

Michigan’s well-drained, sandy soil is ideal for growing cucumbers. Michiganders can enjoy fresh cucumbers in July, August, and September, and pickles are available year-round. 

Several pickle companies are based in Michigan, including the well-known brand McClure’s, as well as Great Lakes Pickling Company, Freakin’ Pickles, and Hausbeck Pickles & Peppers.

7. Squash

Michigan produced 150 million pounds of squash in 2023 (an estimated value of about $215 million). The state is the nation’s leading producer of squash. About 80 percent of the squash grown in 2023 was used for the fresh market, which means it was sold fresh to consumers, and the other 20 percent was processed into other foods. 

Michigan grows both summer and winter squash, and the season starts in June and ends in October. Popular squash varieties, such as butternut, summer, and zucchini, are among the top types grown in Michigan. Other varieties grown in the state include jack-o-lantern pumpkins, crooknecks, decorative winter squash, and gourds. Michigan is home to plenty of pumpkin patches where you can pick your own pumpkins, squash, gourds, and more. 

Runners-up 

Michigan ranks second in production for several agricultural products, including apples and celery.

In 2023, Michigan produced about 1.34 billion pounds of apples from 37,000 harvested acres. There are about 14.95 million apple trees in commercial production, and the fruit is harvested from August through October.

In 2023, Michigan farmers grew about 77 million pounds of celery on 1,100 acres and generated more than $14 million. Kalamazoo County was the birthplace of Michigan’s celery production, and the majority of celery is still grown in the southwest portion of the state. Fresh celery is available in Michigan from July to October. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.