Minnesota’s Best Homegrown Apples

Type: Cortland
Taste/Flavor: Mildly Tart, similar to McIntosh
Harvest Date: Late September/Early October
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ Because of this variety’s very white interior, it makes a nice white apple sauce or a nice white apple pie, says Barb Jacobson, one of eight co-owners of Pine Tree Apple Orchard.
+ Try this applesauce recipe.

See Locations for Cortland Apples »

Photo courtesy of Michigan Apple Committee

Type: Fireside
Taste/Flavor: Very Sweet
Harvest Date: Late September/Early October
Best Uses:
+ Fresh eating

See Locations for Fireside Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: Haralson
Taste/Flavor: Tart
Harvest Date: Late September
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ Excellent keeping qualities lend to its use for any apple treat, such as this Crumb-Topped Brandied Apple Pie

See Locations for Haralson Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: Honeycrisp
Taste/Flavor: Sweet
Harvest Date: Late September
Fun Fact: “It’s America’s favorite now,” says Barb Jacobson, co-owner of Pine Tree Apple Orchard. “The Honeycrisp put Minnesota on the map by being developed here.” Grown in the state since its founding by the University of Minnesota in 1960, Honeycrisp has caught the attention of national growers. Stick to Minnesota-grown for the best flavor, Jacobson warns, because our climate keeps the taste snappy, crunchy, and sweet.
Best uses:
+ Fresh eating

See Locations for Honeycrisp Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: Honeygold
Taste/Flavor: Sweet
Harvest Date: Late September/Early October
Best Uses:
+ Fresh eating

See Locations for Honeygold Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: Jonathan
Taste/Flavor: Mildly Tart
Harvest Date: Early October
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ This multi-tasking apple is great for baking.
+ Try something new–apple avocado salsa

See Locations for Jonathan Apples »

Photo courtesy of Michigan Apple Committee

Type: Keepsake
Taste/Flavor: Very sweet, firm and crisp
Harvest Date: Mid-October
Best Use:
+ Fresh eating

See Locations for Keepsake Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: McIntosh
Taste/Flavor: Starts tart then turns sweet by the end of its flavor season.
Harvest Date: Mid-September
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ Traditionally used in apple pie, applesauce, and other apple sweets.
+ Use this variety in your favorite apple treat–such as this Caramel Apple Crisp

See Locations for McIntosh Apples »

Photo courtesy of Michigan Apple Committee

Type: Regent
Taste/Flavor: Sweet to Tart
Harvest Date: Early October
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ The Regent’s not-too-sweet flavor allows for versatility in recipes.
+ Try it in this homemade apple salad.

See Locations for Regent Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota

Type: Sweet Sixteen
Taste/Flavor: Sweet and crisp
Harvest Date: Early September
Best Uses (Other Than Eating It Fresh):
+ Good for pies and applesauce.
+ Try this recipe for apple butter from Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard:
Apple Butter: Peel, core, cut in quarters, and cook in microwave until soft. Add cinnamon and sugar to taste. Cook in Crock-Pot overnight, or eight hours.

See Locations for Sweet Sixteen Apples »

Photo courtesy of The University of Minnesota