Kindercrisp Apple

Overview

Kindercrisp Apple (also known as KinderKrisp or MAC 2137) is a cold hardy apple variety developed as a chance seedling on a Minnesota farm in Fairhaven, Minnesota, in 1998 by fruit breeder David MacGregor. Its exact parentage is undocumented, but it is widely thought to have Honeycrisp in its background based on flavor, texture, and breeder notes. It was later patented and released in the early 21st century after evaluation for quality and vigor.

Fruit Quality & Uses

Kindercrisp produces small to medium red apples with yellow flesh and a remarkably crisp, juicy texture reminiscent of Honeycrisp but in a smaller, snack-friendly size. The flavor is sweet with a pleasant balance of acidity and spice notes. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating, and its firmness and balanced flavor also make it suitable for cooking, baking, sauces, and juice. Fruit can also store for several weeks to a few months under proper conditions.

Growth Habit & Spacing

Kindercrisp trees tend to be moderately vigorous with a generally upright growth habit and precocious bearing. Spacing will vary with rootstock, but as a guideline, plant trees 15–16 feet apart for trees on Bud 118 rootstock, and 18-20 ft for trees on full size rootstock to allow good light penetration and airflow through the canopy. 

Cold Hardiness

Kindercrisp has survived our -30Fs in Missoula no problem and with zero tip dieback. Many sources further describe its potential to be hardy into Zone 3, and there are anecdotal reports of trees surviving winters with lows into the mid-30s below zero without significant damage. So until we find out more about what Kindercrisp has reliably survived down to, we are listing it hardy to -35F, or zone 3b, although it may even be hardier than this. Should do well in most of Western Montana with the exception of the coldest valleys, but should not be planted in Eastern Montana outside of Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys/microclimates.

Ripening Time

Kindercrisp ripens late August to early September in Missoula, MT making it, making it a good late summer, mid-season apple. Its earlier ripening relative to many other heritage and cold-hardy apples helps ensure full maturity before fall cool-downs.

Pollination

Like almost all apples, Kindercrisp requires cross-pollination with another apple variety that blooms at the same time. Good pollenizers for Kindercrisp from the Montana Fruit Trees' collection include varieties that overlap bloom periods such as Chestnut, Pristine, Haralson, Zestar!, Frostbite, Centennial, Rescue, Trailman, Dearborn's Unknown, Norkent, Norland, Norson, and others.