Michigan’s brutal winters often come with curious natural events, but none is as mesmerizing as the ghost apples phenomenon.
It occurs when freezing rain encases rotting apples in a delicate layer of ice.
As the apples rot, their mushy cores slip out, leaving behind fragile, hollow, apple-shaped ice shells.
These eerie ice apples, suspended from trees, were famously captured by farmer Andrew Sietsema in 2019, sparking widespread interest on social media.
Ghost apples form because apples decompose at a lower temperature than water freezes.
In this case, as the apples thaw, their mushy pulp seeps away, while the ice around them remains intact.
The result is an almost perfect replica of an apple, but made entirely of ice, hanging eerily from tree branches.
This rare sight is not only a wonder of physics but also a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and artistry.
Michigan’s orchards, blanketed in snow and ice, become the perfect canvas for this delicate transformation.
Why Do Ghost Apples Happen?
The key to understanding ghost apples lies in the different freezing points of water and fruit.
Apples, especially those that are overripe or already beginning to decompose, have a softer, more liquid core at lower temperatures.
When freezing rain coats the apples, the water solidifies into ice, but as the apple itself continues to rot, it loses its firmness and eventually drops away, leaving the ice casing untouched.
This creates the hollowed-out effect, which is why these ghostly remains are so mesmerizing.
Though this event is rare and requires precise weather conditions, it has enchanted those lucky enough to witness it.
The perfect blend of freezing rain, decaying fruit, and fluctuating temperatures offers a glimpse of nature’s surprising creativity.
Capturing the Beauty of Ghost Apples
Andrew Sietsema’s stunning photographs of ghost apples from Michigan’s orchards became an internet sensation in 2019, with thousands of people marveling at these translucent, frozen wonders.
His images capture not only the fragile beauty of these ice apples but also the stillness and stark beauty of the Midwest’s frozen landscape.
Ghost apples remind us of the fleeting nature of the seasons, and the brief, delicate moments when nature reveals something truly extraordinary.
Although these ice formations won’t last long, they leave a lasting impression, especially for those fascinated by the intersection of nature and art.
The Appeal of Ghost Apples
While ghost apples might not serve any practical purpose, they hold a unique charm.
For photographers, naturalists, and those curious about weather patterns, ghost apples offer a rare and unexpected delight.
They demonstrate the remarkable ways in which nature surprises us, even in the coldest, most unforgiving environments.
As more people become aware of this phenomenon, Michigan’s winters may no longer just be about the biting cold or snow-covered landscapes.
Instead, they could also be about seeking out these ghostly, icy marvels that hang from apple trees like frozen ornaments.
