Zestar Apples

Zestar!™ apples are an early ripening variety that was developed at the University of Minnesota in 1999. They are the result of a cross between a numbered varietal and the state fair apple, and were originally patented under the name “Minnewashta.” The apple’s tangy and sweet flavor earned the fruit its current moniker, and Zestar apples were created to meet the demand for an early season variety with excellent flavor and shelf life. These apples are an all-purpose apple and are known as one of the parents to the popular Sweetango™ variety.

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The Minnewashta apple tends to be round with an average diameter of three inches, and tastes crispy and light. About 60-80% of the apple's skin turns a deep red hue as a result of exposure to sunlight during maturation, the remaining areas of the skin remaining a yellow or greenish color. The apple tastes sweet and tangy, with accents of brown sugar, and is known for its unique flavor. The apple is best used for fresh eating, and for use in a variety of baked goods, sauces, desserts, and salads. The fruit can be well paired with foods such as walnuts, cinnamon, cheddar cheeses, and brown sugar. The apple is praised for its shelf life and can be stored up for two months with or without refrigeration. The apple's flavors are known to intensify when kept at room temperature.