Honeycrisp apples
Honeycrisp is the apple that changed what shoppers expect from a bite. Its cells are unusually large, so they burst when you bite, which is where that loud, juicy crack comes from.
It came out of the University of Minnesota breeding program, where the original seedling was planted in 1962 and picked out in 1974. Released in 1991, it went on to become Minnesota's official state fruit and one of the top three apples grown in the United States.
Honeycrisp at a glance
- Also known as
- Honeycrunch (Europe)
- Origin
- University of Minnesota, Excelsior, Minnesota
- Introduced
- Released 1991
- Parents
- Keepsake x an unreleased Minnesota selection (confirmed by DNA testing)
- Skin
- Mottled red over yellow
- Flesh
- Cream, very juicy
- Licensed variety
- No (patent expired 2008)
What Honeycrisp tastes like
Balanced sweet and tart, with a light honey note and plenty of juice. The texture is the headline: crisp, almost fizzy, and it stays that way for months in cold storage.
Sweet
Tart
Crunch
Juicy
Best ways to use Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp holds its shape reasonably well in pies and crisps, but its juice can make fillings wet, so many bakers mix it with a firmer, tarter apple like Granny Smith.
Fresh eating
Excellent
Salads and cheese boards
Excellent
Baking and pies
Good
Sauce and apple butter
Good
Cider and juice
Good
Bake with Honeycrisp
Use it in our Harvest Apple Pie, on its own or mixed with a firmer, tarter apple.
When Honeycrisp is in season
Harvest
Early to mid September
In stores
September through spring
Keep Honeycrisp in a bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where it stays crisp for several weeks. At room temperature it softens within days.
Common questions about Honeycrisp
What does Honeycrisp taste like?
Balanced sweet and tart, with a light honey note and plenty of juice. The texture is the headline: crisp, almost fizzy, and it stays that way for months in cold storage.
Is Honeycrisp good for baking?
Honeycrisp holds its shape reasonably well in pies and crisps, but its juice can make fillings wet, so many bakers mix it with a firmer, tarter apple like Granny Smith.
When is Honeycrisp in season?
Honeycrisp is harvested in early to mid September and is usually in stores September through spring.
How should I store Honeycrisp apples?
Keep Honeycrisp in a bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where it stays crisp for several weeks. At room temperature it softens within days.
Is Honeycrisp a licensed apple?
No. Its patent expired in 2008, so any grower can now plant Honeycrisp.