Honeycrisp apples: The ever-popular all-star
Published on September 23, 2025 at 2:10pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0Alisha Asleson
Master Gardener
Since its commercial release in 1991, the Honeycrisp apple has become one of the most celebrated—and most challenging—varieties in modern apple production. Developed by the University of Minnesota for cold climates, this cultivar now commands premium prices at markets across North America, thanks to its explosive crunch, juicy texture, and balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Honeycrisp wasn’t born by chance. It was bred with intention—designed to thrive in cold regions while delivering exceptional eating quality. The variety was patented (U.S. PP7197) by the University of Minnesota, but that patent expired in 2008, opening the door to widespread commercial production.
Today, Honeycrisp is cultivated in nearly every major U.S. apple-producing state, from Washington and Michigan to Minnesota and New York. It remains one of the few varieties bred specifically for eating experience, rather than for ease of growing, storage, or shipping.
One of the key challenges for Honeycrisp growers is biennial bearing. Without early and aggressive thinning, trees may swing between heavy and light crop years, reducing both fruit size and quality.
Harvest timing must also be exact. Depending on regional conditions, harvest typically occurs in early to mid-September, often in multiple picks to maintain consistent quality.
The variety continues to dominate premium retail shelves and direct-to-consumer markets. It also performs well in sliced apple programs and artisan cider blends, thanks to its high sugar and aromatic profile.
The popularity of Honeycrisp has inspired a wave of breeding programs seeking to replicate its appeal while addressing its shortcomings. Newer varieties like Rave® (First Kiss®), Cosmic Crisp®, and Ludacrisp™ aim to build on Honeycrisp’s legacy with improved disease resistance, better storage quality, and more reliable yields.
In the meantime, Honeycrisp remains a high-risk, high-reward crop for dedicated growers. With careful management, attention to detail, and a bit of patience, this iconic apple can still offer outstanding returns—and deliver the crisp bite that consumers keep coming back for.
Happy Apple Season.