Honeycrisp apples are well-known for their delicious flavor and high popularity, making them more costly than other apple types.
Different apple varieties offer various nutrients and potential benefits. For example, Red Delicious apples are rich in antioxidants, while Granny Smith apples may have properties that aid in managing weight. But what about Honeycrisp apples? Do they have the nutritional value to match their outstanding flavor? Let’s find out!
What are Honeycrisp Apples?
The Honeycrisp, or as it’s known in Europe, the ‘Honeycrunch,’ is one of the premier apple varieties from the University of Minnesota. This apple is cultivated extensively around the globe, with millions sold to those who appreciate its perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor and its exceptional crisp, juicy texture.
In 2006, the Honeycrisp was celebrated as the State Fruit of Minnesota for several compelling reasons:
- It possesses an excellent taste.
- It’s a prevalent apple variety.
- It was crucial in rejuvenating a dwindling apple cultivation industry, providing essential revenue to small and medium-sized family-run orchards.
Owing to the wide-ranging appeal of Honeycrisp’s taste and texture, it commands a premium price.
Moreover, the Honeycrisp apple was selected as one of the top 25 innovative breakthroughs over a decade in the 2006 Better World Report. This report by the Association of University Technology Managers recognizes significant academic research and technology transfers that have transformed our lives. It celebrates advancements that have made the world a better place.
Origins and History
Honeycrisp apples, a cold-resistant apple variety, were first developed in the 1960s at the University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Experiment Station. This variety, also known as MN1711, is thought to be a crossbreed of Keepsake apples and an unnamed selection labeled as MN1627.
David Bedford, a breeder, protected the original seedlings from being discarded from the test fields, studying them extensively. It wasn’t until over three decades later, in 1992, that Honeycrisp apples were introduced to commercial markets. Since then, they have climbed the ranks to become one of the most popular apple varieties globally.
Initially, a patent restricted the number of licensed growers of this variety, but after its expiration in 2008, Honeycrisp apples became accessible to growers everywhere. Today, these apples flourish in warm and cool climates across the United States – from Michigan, Minnesota, New England, and Wisconsin to California and Washington State.
Moreover, Honeycrisp apples have made their way into orchards in Canada, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere in Europe. Efforts are underway to establish orchards in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Where are Honeycrisp Apples grown?
Honeycrisp apples, specifically cultivated to thrive in colder northern climates like their native Minnesota, are now widely grown in Wisconsin, Michigan, New England, and upstate New York. Remarkably, they are grown in far-off places like New Zealand during off-seasons.
What do Honeycrisp Apples taste like?
Honeycrisp apples are a medium to large variety, with an average diameter of 7 to 10 centimeters. They have a round or slightly flat shape and typically have a uniform appearance.
The apple’s skin is very thin, prone to injury or damage, with a shiny and dimpled surface. The skin has a primary yellow-green color, topped with red-orange mottling and streaks of blush pink, along with some light spots.
Beneath the skin, the apple’s flesh is ivory to white, slightly coarse, juicy, and very crisp. Honeycrisp apples were bred to have more giant cells compared to other varieties, giving the flesh a unique crispness when bitten into.
This flesh surrounds a core containing oval, black-brown seeds. Honeycrisp apples are aromatic and have balanced levels of sugar and acidity. They are famous for their sweet and subtly tart taste, with delicate fruity nuances.
When are Honeycrisp Apples in season?
Honeycrisp™: A hybrid apple variety of Macoun and Honeygold, typically harvested from early to late September.
Honeycrisp apples are famous for their sweet, refreshing, and crispy taste. As a result, this variety has quickly become the most sought-after apple on the farm. Keep in mind when picking Honeycrisp a red apple indicates ripeness.
Honeycrisp is prevalent in September and is the most popular on our farm, lasting in October. Therefore, grab them while you can in September!
Nutritional Value of Honeycrisp Apples
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 182g (medium size) | |
| Calories | 95 | |
| Total Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0g | |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4g | 16% |
| Sugars | 19g | |
| Protein | 0.5g | |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 194.7mg | 4% |
| Caffeine | 0mg |
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Are Honeycrisp Apples good for you?
Unleash the Antioxidant Power of Apples
Unlock the immense antioxidant potential of apples by incorporating these juicy fruits into your daily diet. Packed with a potent antioxidant called quercetin, apples help combat harmful free radicals, fortify your immune system, and ward off various diseases.
An Apple a Day Keeps Eye Problems Away
Apples, with their impressive antioxidant content, contribute significantly to eye health. Regular consumption of apples can ward off cataracts, as studies indicate that antioxidant-rich apples reduce cataract development.
Feel Fuller and Healthier with High-Fiber Apples
With their high fiber content, apples help maintain a healthy digestive system and regulate digestion. This fiber also aids in managing hunger pangs and maintaining satiety, making apples a perfect healthy snack. Additionally, the fiber in apples contributes to lower cholesterol levels.
Detoxify Your Liver with Apples
A healthy liver keeps harmful toxins at bay, and regular consumption of apples can aid in this detoxification process.
Apples – Your Heart’s Best Friend
One of the significant benefits of eating apples daily is their contribution to heart health. The fiber in apples not only reduces cholesterol levels but also prevents plaque buildup in arteries, thereby reducing heart disease risk and potential heart attacks.
Boost Your Workout Endurance with Apples
Consider munching on an apple before your workout for a boost in endurance. Apples can enhance oxygen availability to the lungs, making your exercise sessions more manageable and prolonged.
Lose Weight Deliciously with Apples
Low in calories yet high in nutritional value, apples can play an essential role in weight management. Reach for an apple when hunger strikes between meals to enjoy its health benefits while keeping your calorie intake in check.
Why Honeycrisp Apples so expensive?
Honeycrisp apples are often pricier than other varieties in the grocery store. Why is that so? David Bedford, a horticulturalist from the University of Minnesota and one of the creators of the Honeycrisp, explains that these apples are more challenging to cultivate. The higher price tag is necessary for growers to continue their production, and Honeycrisp fans are willing to pay the premium.
Doug Harvey, co-owner of Fireside Orchard and Gardens, attributes the price to supply and demand. He emphasizes that the Honeycrisp provides an exceptional quality that consumers crave, describing the apple’s “explosive behavior” when bitten into.
Despite being the second most popular apple variety sold after Gala, Honeycrisp is not the most grown apple in the U.S. According to the U.S. Apple Association and USDA, Red Delicious holds the top spot, accounting for 24% of apple production. Gala follows at 18%, and Honeycrisp accounts for only 6%. Fuji, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious varieties fit somewhere in between.
What are the reasons behind these stats? The Honeycrisp’s desirable traits, such as its thin skin and juicy cells, make it more prone to damage. Dennis Courtier, owner of Pepin Heights Orchards, outlines that more labor is needed in growing Honeycrisp. He shares that roughly half the Honeycrisp yield can be sold, compared to 85-90% of the more robust Red Delicious variety.
Todd Harvey pinpoints the time it takes for new apple varieties to grow as another factor that could delay supply meeting demand. It can take up to five years to order new trees to finally sell the apples. This duration often surprises customers who anticipate newly announced apple varieties to be readily available in stores.
So next time you’re in the grocery store wondering about the price difference between Honeycrisp and other apples, remember the challenges and time it takes to grow this unique and beloved variety.
Difference between Fuji, Gala, Jazz apples, Koru apples, Cortland apples vs Honeycrisp Apples
| Apple Variety | Origin | Flavor Profile | Texture | Coloring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji | Japan | Sweet | Dense, crisp | Red with a yellowish hue |
| Gala | New Zealand | Sweet | Crisp, thin skin | Pale golden yellow with a slight red blush |
| Jazz | New Zealand | Tart with underlying sweetness | Crisp | Bright yellow and red |
| Koru | New Zealand | Sweet and tart with a hint of spice | Crisp, juicy | Unique orange-red over a yellow background |
| Cortland | United States | Sweet with a hint of tartness | Tender , resists browning | Reddish, can vary |
| Honeycrisp | Minnesota, United States | Sweet yet slightly tart | Juicy, very crisp | Mottled red over a yellow background |
What to make with Honeycrisp Apples?
Honeycrisp apples are a delightful blend of sweetness with just a hint of tartness, making them a versatile choice for fresh and cooked dishes. Enjoy these apples raw, straight from the hand, preferably chilled, to enjoy their crisp, juicy texture. They also add a nice crunch to green salads, slaws, and fruit bowls. Other creative uses include:
- Chopping them into salsas.
- Pairing them with nut butter.
- Even incorporating them into sandwiches and burgers.
When cooking, Honeycrisp apples work beautifully in sweet and savory dishes. They retain their sweetness upon heating and make excellent additions to cakes, pies, muffins, tarts, bread, cobblers, crisps, and scones. Try sautéing them with spices and browned butter for a delightful dessert, or roast them alongside root vegetables for a hearty side dish. You can also puree them into soups, cook them into oatmeal, or stuff them with brown sugar, wrap them in pie dough, and roast them for an indulgent treat.
Honeycrisp apples are also ideal for homemade preserves, including applesauce and butter. Slice and dry them into chips, infuse them into vinegar and syrups, or press them into juice for cocktails, sparkling beverages, and smoothies.
When it comes to pairing flavors, Honeycrisp apples harmonize well with vanilla, salted caramel, chocolate, pomegranate seeds, citrus fruits, certain herbs like thyme, parsley, and mint, sweet potatoes, squashes, roasted meats like poultry, beef, turkey, pork, and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
To keep your Honeycrisp apples fresh for longer, store whole and unwashed apples in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, which will be held for 7 to 10 days. Interestingly, most commercially available Honeycrisp apples are sold a week after controlled storage to enhance flavor. Under professional cold storage conditions, these apples can be stored for 6 to 10 months.
Where to buy Honeycrisp Apples near me?
Look no further. Farm to Palm brings the freshest and tastiest Honeycrisp apples to your doorstep. With us, you are not only buying your favorite type of apple but also trusting in the quality and freshness of the product.
Visit your nearest supermarket or access the Farm to Palm application on the App Store, and you will easily find the Honeycrisp apples you’ve been longing for. Discover today to experience the convenience and outstanding quality from Farm to Palm!