New York apple growers forecast a very sweet crop, thanks to abundant summer sunshine that generated higher sugar levels in the fruit.

Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, says consumers should see fresh-picked local apples in the next couple weeks in some lower Hudson Valley locations. Orchards in other parts of the state will have fresh apples later in August.

Jersey Mac and Tydeman are the first varieties to ripen, followed by Ginger Gold and Paula Red. The popular McIntosh variety is picked in early September, with the rest of the harvest lasting through late October or early November.

Growers expect the crop statewide to be at or near last year's crop size of about 30.3 million bushels. New York ranks second behind Washington in apple production.