John Kilcherman inspects one of his many varieties of heirloom apples at Kilcherman's Christmas Cove Farm in September 2016. Photo by Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com

By Emily Bingham | ebingham@mlive.com

Apple lovers won't have to wait much longer to sink their teeth into their favorite fruit: This year's Michigan apple harvest is ahead of schedule, with certain varieties' predicted peak harvest dates falling anywhere from a few days to an entire week ahead of normal.

According to Michigan State University Extension, data collected from around the state suggests the apple harvest will be significantly early for certain varieties in some parts of Michigan, but that the cropload will be 65 percent of normal due to frost damage earlier in the year.

"As always, the weather seems to be unusual each year and 2017 was no different," MSU Extension posted in an article predicting apple harvest dates late last month.

MacIntosh apples, for example, are 10 to 11 days ahead of normal in some parts of the state, and, in general, a few days ahead of the 2016 harvest. Meanwhile, peak harvest for Red Delicious apples is predicted to range from one to eight days ahead of normal, depending on what region they are in.

Read on for the list of 2017 Michigan apple peak harvest dates for the Grand Rapids area to use as a general guide:

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Paula Red

Predicted date: August 19

This tart, aromatic apple was discovered in Sparta, Michigan. Great for baking and for snacking out of hand.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Ginger Gold

Predicted peak date: August 21

This early-season variety is best fresh, so pick it up early and don't plan on storing it for long. It's a cross between Golden Delicious and Albermarle Pippin; the flesh is crisp and the flavor is sweet-tart.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Gala

Predicted peak date: Sept. 5

This juicy, sweet apple is Michigan's third most popular variety. It originated in New Zealand, and a patent for it wasn't obtained in the U.S. until the 1970's.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

McIntosh

Predicted peak date: Sept. 5

A classic, and for good reason: This super-juicy variety can be used in everything from applesauce to pie, and it's delicious for snacking fresh, too.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Honeycrisp

Predicted peak date: Sept. 15

Developed in Minnesota and patented in the late 1980's, this relative newbie became wildly popular in a short time. Its sweet flavor and crisp flesh make it an ideal apple for eating fresh, but it also keeps fairly well for storage.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Empire

Predicted peak date: Sept. 25

A firm, sweet-tart variety that is great for snacking as well as baking. Boasts a decent shelf-life as well.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Jonathan

Predicted peak date: Sept. 27

A sweet and ever-so-slightly spiced heirloom variety that can come in shades of deep red to purple, depending on sun exposure. Excellent in juices and cider.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Jonagold

Predicted peak date: Sept. 27

This large, aromatic apple is a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious. It has a sweet-tart flavor that makes it popular for desserts.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Golden Delicious

Predicted peak date: Oct. 1

Discovered in West Virginia, this sweet apple is a great choice for sauces, cider, pies and other desserts.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Red Delicious

Predicted peak date: Oct. 4

Behold the superstar of the apple world: This variety is America's most popular. It has a very mild, sweet flavor.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Rome

Predicted peak date: Oct. 14

This variety is the picture-perfect apple: big, round and bright red. Crunchy, mildly sweet and slightly floral, this is a preferred apple for cooking and baking.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Ida Red

Predicted peak date: Oct. 9

This sweet-tart, juicy apple sometimes has a pretty pink hue to its crisp flesh. Eat it fresh or use it in baking; it holds its shape well, even when cooked.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Fuji

Predicted peak date: Oct. 24

Developed in Japan from two American cultivars (Red Delicious and Ralls Janet), this crisp apple is refreshing and tart-sweet.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

Braeburn

Predicted peak date: Oct. 24

Braeburn's beautiful bi-colored skin and deep, rich flavors have made it a very popular commercial variety. Excellent eaten fresh as well as cooked into sweet or savory dishes.

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Via Michigan Apple Committee

GoldRush

Predicted peak date: Oct. 31

This yellow-bronze beauty has a rich, sweet, complex flavor and a firm, crisp flesh. (Incidentally, this variety is Illinois' state fruit.)

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Photo by Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com

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