WHAT IS A HONEYCRISP APPLE?

This hybrid of a Macoun and a Honeygold apple was created by the University of Minnesota in the 1960s.  Their breeding program successfully created an apple that was able to stand both the cold harshness of mid-Western weather and depressed sport’s fans; but still be of high quality.  Smaller in size, the apples grow to around 3 inches in diameter and feature a mottled red and green coloration.  They are aptly named both for their sweet flavor and crisp, crunchiness.  However their higher sugar content also means that they’re more perishable then other types of apples.

WHY ARE HONEYCRISP APPLES GOOD FOR YOU?

Apples in general are great sources of nutrition and fiber that are also low in calories.  Except for having a bit more sugar, honeycrisps are no exception.

WHEN ARE HONEYCRISP APPLES IN SEASON?

They are a September to October crop in Minnesota.  On the other side of the world in South Africa and Australia, they’re a January to February crop depending on the local climate.

HOW SHOULD HONEYCRISP APPLES BE STORED?

With a loaded gun close at hand in case the little bastard gets any ideas.  Or, just like you would with most apples, cover them with a damp paper towel and refrigerate.  Young apples should easily keep for 1 to 2 months.  Stacking them is a bad idea since they tend to bruise easily.  One way to prevent this is to wrap the fruit in paper before stacking.  Also do not store your apples near your potatoes.  It just speeds up the maturation process.  And if you have too many apples, chop them up (lemon juice helps to prevent oxidation) and freeze them for easy use down the road.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO PEEL A HONEYCRISP APPLE?

Click here to see!

ARE HONEYCRISP APPLES ACTUALLY AN APPLE GROWER BOOM MARKET WAITING TO GO BUST?

There is no debate both that these apples are extremely delicious and very expensive (up to 2 to 3 times that of other apples).  However the investment costs to grow these apples far exceeds other breeds outside of its native Minnesota.  And on the East coast of the United States with its wet weather and smaller orchards, Honeycrisps just aren’t designed to grow as well in that environment.  If you want to know if this apple is a good fit for your backyard, check out this article from Happy DIY Home.  They have some great tips on what to do and not to do when growing this deliciously forbidden fruit!  Click here to read more!