(Photo courtesy of Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce)

Nestled in the heart of the Yakima Valley is the city of Yakima.  With a population of 91,067, it’s the eighth largest city in the state. The name Yakima comes from the Native American tribe of the region.  Several divergent theories exist on the exact meaning of the word and the story behind its origin. The most widely accepted meaning of the word is “runaway,” which is believed to refer to the waters of the Yakima River or lend support to an old tribal legend involving a chief’s downtrodden daughter. Tribal legend in the area also indicates Yakima might be a malapropism of a Native American word meaning “big belly” or “pregnant one.” If true, these definitions more aptly describe the greater Yakima area and its agricultural impact upon our state, our nation and our planet.

Located in the south-central portion of our state, with views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier to the west, the Yakima Valley’s fertile soil is legendary.  The valley is responsible for approximately 75 percent of the U.S. hop acreage, accounting for over 77 percent of the nation’s total hop crop.

Yakima may be best known for its apple crop. The Yakima Valley produces 60 percent of Washington’s apples, and has gained a reputation for their high quality. In fact, more than half of all apples grown in America for fresh eating come from Washington orchards.

Thousands of tourists come to the Yakima Valley every year to experience the summer sunshine, recreation opportunities and stunning countryside.

You can visit Yakima’s city website here and its Chamber of Commerce website here.

One other tidbit of trivia: The apple is a member of the flower family, rose.