Zestar!® Apple

Overview

Zestar! is another standout from the University of Minnesota, bred from a cross of State Fair x MN 1691. An early to mid-season apple, it ripens in late August to early September at Benson’s Farm in Missoula—just in time to beat the fall frost.

Flavor & Use

Crunchy, subacid, and pleasantly spiced—with a hint of cinnamon.

Only tried fresh so far, but we love the refreshing snap and complex flavor.

One of the best-storing summer apples we’ve grown—holds up over two months in the fridge without turning mealy.

Cold Hardiness

Hardy to -40F, and possibly -45F.

Use caution in regions colder than that—this variety may not hold up in Zone 2 or colder pockets without protection. Zestar! and many other University of Minnesota apples do not shut down early enough in time in the Fall for Ed Schultz in Gallatin Gateway, MT.

Rootstock & Growing Tips

For Spring 2025, we’ve grafted Zestar! onto M7, Dolgo, M26, and Spy 227.