Zestar Apples for Delivery or Pickup

The Zestar apple is an apple cultivar — a plant cultivated to have specific characteristics — first developed at the University of Minnesota in 1999. Protected by U.S. Plant Patent #97120, it is one of 24 apple varieties developed through the work of horticulturists at the university's Horticultural Resource Center. This apple variety underwent extensive testing to ensure that it can be grown in the cold northern climate of the United States and Canada. 

Also called the Minnewashta apple, the Zestar apple is known for its unique sweet and tangy flavor, with a hint of brown sugar. It is very juicy and has a light, crisp texture. This medium-sized apple has light grainy flesh, which will turn brown very quickly when exposed to the air. The Zestar apple maintains a deep-red hue on 60% to 85% of its skin, with other areas retaining a yellowish or greenish color. Its coloring results from the amount of sunlight that different parts of the skin absorb during the apple's maturation process. 

Zestar apples are good for eating raw as a snack due to their delicious flavor. You can eat one right off the shelf at room temperature when its flavor is more intense. Enjoy by itself or with a teaspoon of peanut (or your favorite nut) butter or warm caramel. You can also peel and chop them into fresh salads to preserve their fruity taste. 

If you enjoy apple crisps, you can use Zestar apples to make a delicious batch. Zestar apples also pair well with cheese, cheddar, and Roquefort especially. As such, they can form part of an artisanal charcuterie board. In addition, you can bake Zestar apples into pies, cook them into sauces, and use them for sweet desserts and bars, among other culinary uses.

Zestar apples are early-season apples — they ripen between late August and early September, starting the apple season. Since Zestar apples are a patented product, every Zestar apple farmer must apply for a license and keep growing their Zestar apples under strict conditions to maintain the taste and appearance Zestar apples are widely known to have. Look for Zestar apples that are firm to the touch, without blemishes. Be careful not to bruise the apple's rosy skin with your fingers. Fresh apples have a pleasant aroma, and the Zestar apple is no exception. 

Zestar apples are quite hardy and have a long shelf life compared to other apple varieties. However, it's best to store your apples in the refrigerator to keep them fresher for longer. To preserve your next haul of Zestar apples, place them in a plastic bag and store them in the vegetable crisper. It's best to keep apples separate from other fruits and vegetables — apples give off ethylene gas, which can cause produce to decay quickly. This way, your apples can last for up to 8 weeks, retaining their shiny exterior and crunchy texture. 

Zestar apples can also be stored in the freezer, especially if you intend to cook them. You can freeze them whole or slice them up and freeze them in a lemon juice solution to preserve their color.