Honeycrisp Apples

Overview

Honeycrisp apples are one of the most popular apple varieties due to their perfect balance of sweetness, crisp texture, and versatility. Known for their vibrant color, refreshing flavor, and satisfying crunch, Honeycrisp apples have become a top choice for fresh eating, snacking, and even in culinary applications like baking and juicing. This variety was specifically developed to combine the best qualities of several apple types, resulting in a unique fruit that is both flavorful and crunchy. Whether consumed fresh, used in desserts, or pressed into cider, Honeycrisp apples stand out for their delicious taste and high-quality texture.

History and Origin

The Honeycrisp apple was developed at the University of Minnesota, first introduced in 1991. In 1982, apple variety MN 1711 at the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program was saved from the reject pile by horticulturist David Bedford and given another year to prove itself worthy of a patent. The apple, renamed Honeycrisp™, became Minnesota’s official state fruit and one of the most popular apple varieties in the nation. For many years it was believed that Honeycrisp descended from Macoun and Honeygold apples, but DNA tests conducted by the university in 2017 determined that its parents were the Keepsake and MN 1627, an unreleased variety. Further research revealed an august ancestry, determining that Honeycrisp is the grandchild of Golden Delicious and Duchess of Oldenburg, which was brought from England to the United States in 1835.

Honeycrisp apples were bred for their crisp texture, refreshing flavor, and ability to thrive in colder climates, making them well-suited to northern regions. Over time, their popularity has soared leading to their widespread adoption across the U.S. and abroad.

Key Characteristics

1. Flavor: Honeycrisp apples are known for their perfectly balanced flavor, with a mix of sweet and mildly tart notes. The sweetness is pronounced but not overwhelming, while the acidity adds a refreshing zing. This well-rounded flavor profile makes them ideal for fresh eating and culinary use.
2. Appearance: These apples are medium to large in size, with a round shape and a colorful skin. The skin is a blend of red and yellow hues, often with a marbled appearance, making them visually striking. The bright color and glossy finish make them appealing to consumers and enhance their marketability.
3. Size and Shape: Honeycrisp apples are typically medium to large in size, ranging from 3 to 4 inches in diameter.  Occasionally there are apples weighing over 1 pound found in the orchard.  They have a round shape with slight variations in size, and their crisp texture and juiciness make them a favorite for eating fresh or incorporating into recipes.
4. Skin and Flesh: The skin of the Honeycrisp apple is thin but durable, allowing the fruit to maintain its crisp texture when eaten fresh or used in cooking. The flesh is white, firm, and juicy, with a texture that provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. The flesh is also slightly porous, which contributes to its high juice content.
5. Harvest Time: Honeycrisp apples are typically harvested in late August to early September. They are one of the first varieties of apples to be ready for harvest in the fall season. 

Harvesting and Storage

Honeycrisp apples are best harvested when they reach full maturity, typically when the fruit begins to develop its characteristic color and firmness. Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid bruising, as Honeycrisp apples can be sensitive to physical damage. Once harvested, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a refrigerator or a cool storage area, to extend their freshness.

Honeycrisp apples can be stored for several weeks when refrigerated. Honeycrisp apples can also be dried or frozen for long-term storage, though their texture may change when thawed.

Uses