Tasmanian apples
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Tasmanian apples are a significant agricultural product of the Australian state of Tasmania. Known historically as "the Apple Isle," Tasmania remains Australia’s second-largest apple producer after Victoria.[1] The first apple tree was planted on Bruny Island in 1788, and by the 20th century, Tasmania had become one of the world's leading apple exporters. Although production has declined in recent decades, apples are still grown in significant quantities, particularly in southern Tasmania. In 2023, Tasmania produced over 29,000 t (32,000 short tons) of apples, accounting for 10% of Australia’s total apple production.[1][2]
History
[edit]Early cultivation
[edit]Apple cultivation in Tasmania began in 1788 when Captain Bligh planted the first apple trees on Bruny Island at Adventure Bay during his voyage on HMS Bounty. These early plantings laid the foundation for what would become a significant industry. Large-scale orcharding developed later, particularly in the Huon Valley and other fertile regions. The first orchard in the Huon Valley was planted by William Geeves in 1851, featuring varieties such as Windsor Pippin, Scarlett Pearmain, and Blenheim Orange.[3]
The establishment of irrigation systems by pioneers such as William Shoobridge further enhanced apple production. Shoobridge’s innovation helped mitigate Tasmania’s reliance on rainfall, particularly in the Derwent and Bagdad districts, and significantly boosted yields.[4]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/%28Apple_orchards%2C_trees_in_full_bloom%2C_wooden_fence_posts_in_the_distance%29_%28Tasmania%29_-_%28Frank_Hurley%29_%289711313115%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-%28Apple_orchards%2C_trees_in_full_bloom%2C_wooden_fence_posts_in_the_distance%29_%28Tasmania%29_-_%28Frank_Hurley%29_%289711313115%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
By the late 19th century, Tasmanian apples had gained recognition for their quality. Refrigeration and the expansion of steamship services allowed apples to reach international markets, with the Huon Valley emerging as a hub for export-oriented production.[5]
20th century
[edit]By the early 20th century, Tasmania became one of the world’s major exporters of apples. At its peak in the mid-20th century, approximately 75% of Tasmania’s apple crop was exported to the UK and Europe. Varieties such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Cox's Orange Pippin were widely cultivated, along with local heritage types.[6]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Apples_being_inspected_at_Queens_Pier%2C_Hobart%2C_Tasmania_%28c1900s%29_%2832809797955%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-Apples_being_inspected_at_Queens_Pier%2C_Hobart%2C_Tasmania_%28c1900s%29_%2832809797955%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
However, the industry faced challenges during the mid-century. The United Kingdom’s entry into the European Economic Community in 1973 marked a severe blow to Tasmania’s export markets, as tariffs on Australian produce were imposed. Additionally, the codling moth infestation in the state’s north pushed apple production to southern regions like the Huon Valley.[4]
In 2012, Tasmania’s apple exports temporarily ceased for the first time in over 130 years, driven by a strong Australian dollar that reduced competitiveness and a lack of international shipping out of Tasmania.[7]
Contemporary developments
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Will_Hodgman_apples.jpg/220px-Will_Hodgman_apples.jpg)
In recent years, Tasmania has pivoted toward producing high-quality apples for domestic and niche export markets. The state produced over 29,000 t (32,000 short tons) of apples in 2023, accounting for 10% of Australia’s total apple production.[2] Southern Tasmania remains the heart of the industry, particularly the Huon Valley region, with ongoing innovation in organic and sustainable farming practices.
Exports have shown significant growth, with 388 t (428 short tons) of apples exported in 2022, marking a 126% increase from previous years. The primary export markets were China, Hong Kong, and Papua New Guinea, which together accounted for 95% of Tasmania's apple exports.[8] While Tasmania enjoys pest-free export access to markets like Taiwan, high tariffs (20%) continue to pose challenges compared to competitors like New Zealand.[9]
As a state symbol
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Apple farming has played a significant role in shaping Tasmania’s identity, with cultural celebrations such as the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival highlighting its historical and economic significance.[10]
The Coat of arms of Tasmania is an official symbol of the state, granted by King George V in May 1917. The shield features significant representations of Tasmanian industry, including a sheaf of wheat, hops, a ram, and apples on a branch.
The term "Apple Isle" has long been associated with Tasmania, reflecting the state’s historical prominence in apple production. The nickname has appeared on car licence plates and is referenced by businesses such as Juicy Isle and fruit-processing companies like IXL Jams. Tasmania has also been a key producer of alcoholic cider since early European settlement, with brands like Mercury Cider and Willie Smith's being major contributors to the national market.
The state's apple industry has also been referenced in popular culture. The 1988 Australian comedy film Young Einstein, written, produced, and directed by Yahoo Serious, portrays a fictionalised version of Albert Einstein as the son of a Tasmanian apple farmer in the early 1900s.
A major tourism attraction in the Huon Valley, Willie Smith's Cider House is housed in a restored 1940s apple packing shed. It features a cider production facility, distillery, eatery, and apple museum. The museum presents exhibits on Tasmania’s apple-growing heritage, guided cider tastings, and a selection of apple-based spirits, including apple brandy, apple spirit, and pommeau, produced on-site.[11][12]
Additionally, a "Big Apple" landmark in Spreyton serves as a physical tribute to Tasmania’s long-standing association with apple farming.
Orchard districts
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Apple_cider_and_apple_display_in_Tasmania.jpg/220px-Apple_cider_and_apple_display_in_Tasmania.jpg)
District | Description |
---|---|
Huon | The orcharding areas of the Huon Valley. |
Channel | The orcharding areas of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel including Bruny Island. |
Tasman Peninsula | The Tasman Peninsula orcharding district. |
Scottsdale | The Scottsdale orcharding district. |
Lilydale | The Lilydale orcharding district. |
Mersey | The Mersey orcharding district, focusing on the Spreyton area. |
Bagdad | The Bagdad orcharding district. |
Derwent | The upper Derwent orcharding district, primarily the area between New Norfolk and Ouse. |
Hobart | The lower Derwent orcharding district, including the eastern shore, western shore, and Bridgewater. |
West Tamar | The west Tamar area of the Tamar Valley, including west Launceston. |
East and South Tamar | The eastern Tamar region, covering Launceston and areas south and east of the city. |
Swansea | A central east coast cluster of apple-growing properties. |
East Coast General | Other areas of the east coast, including the St Helens district. |
North Coast General | All other areas along the north coast. |
Midlands General | The Midlands region between the East and South Tamar and Bagdad districts. |
Tasmanian apple varieties
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Cross_section_of_Geeveston_Fanny%2C_National_Fruit_Collection_%28acc._1952-034%29.jpg/220px-Cross_section_of_Geeveston_Fanny%2C_National_Fruit_Collection_%28acc._1952-034%29.jpg)
Tasmania is home to several unique apple varieties that have been cultivated and developed to suit the state's cool climate and rich soils. These include:
- Geeveston Fanny – A heritage apple variety originating in the Geeveston region of the Huon Valley, known for its crisp texture and balanced sweetness.
- Sturmer Pippin – A late-season apple valued for its long shelf life and tart flavour, historically popular for export.
- Rubigold – A modern Tasmanian-developed variety bred for high sugar content and striking golden-red skin.
- Granny Smith – Although not exclusive to Tasmania, this well-known variety has been widely cultivated in the state for both domestic and export markets.
- Jonathan – A classic red apple with a sweet-tart flavour that thrives in Tasmania’s cooler regions.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "The Big Apples of Australia". Rural Bank. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ a b "What We Grow: Apples". Tasmanian Grown. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Huon Apples: A Tasmanian Icon". Forty South. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ a b Anne McConnell; Nathalie Servant (December 1999). The History and Heritage of the Tasmanian Apple Industry: A Profile (PDF) (Report). Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Launceston. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Apple Industry". University of Tasmania. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Apple Industry Thrives in Tasmania". ABC News. 5 March 2023.
- ^ "Tasmanian Apple Exports End". ABC News. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "AU Apple Exports 2022" (PDF). Fruit Growers Tasmania. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Apple Exporters Forge New Pathways". Tasmanian Times. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival". Huon Valley Council. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "The Apple Shed". Willie Smith's Tasmanian Apple Cider. 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ Blucher, Alex (20 September 2013). "Tassie apple history set to be tourism drawcard". ABC News. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- Anne McConnell; Nathalie Servant (December 1999). The History and Heritage of the Tasmanian Apple Industry: A Profile (PDF) (Report). Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Launceston.