U of M Debuts New Apple At State Fair

A new breed of apple, an early-ripening riff on the venerated Honeycrisp that's been in the works at the University of Minnesota since the 1990s, has formally debuted at the Minnesota State Fair.

Minnesota Public Radio reports on the First Kiss apple, which is tarter than a Honeycrisp — and, importantly, ready to harvest before Labor Day. That's been one of the key goals of U of M researchers David Bedford and Jim Luby for years. They've been working on the First Kiss with their teams since late '90s. 

Honeycrisps, which were also developed at the U of M, have become one of the nation's most popular apple varieties and generated millions of dollars in royalties for the university.

The Business Journal first reported on the First Kiss — when it still went by its laboratory moniker, MN55, in 2014.

The apple is still very new to market; it's being grown in test sites such as Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake, and a grower there said the trees aren't at full capacity yet.

First Kiss apples will only be marketed in Minnesota, the U of M said in a statement, but the school also has deal with Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, Wash., to sell an out-of-state version called the Rave.

Pie makers, pre heat your ovens. I love the Honey Crisp, can't wait to try this one.

Stay Safe.....Rob