One of the newest early apples at our orchard is the ZESTAR! So far we’ve had really good response from people about the wonderful taste of the ZESTAR! It also happens to be Cedi’s favorite apple at the moment…may have something to do with one of the goats being named after it.

From the University of Minnesota Website:

GREAT CRISP TASTE
The most outstanding feature of a Zestar!™ Apple is its sprightly sweet-tart taste with a hint of brown sugar. And, unlike other early season apples that are often soft or mealy, Zestar! is juicy with a light, crisp texture. Just one bite,and you will savor the zesty flavor and crunch.

ZESTAR! RIPENS EARLY
Growers and apple lovers will delight in this tasty apple that ripens so early in the season. Under Minnesota growing conditions, Zestar! fruit ripen in late August to early September, about the same time as Paulared®. It’s the perfect way to start the apple season on a good note.
EXCEPTIONAL EXTENDED STORAGE LIFE
Zestar! Apples maintain their great taste and crunch for 2-2 1/2 months in refrigeration. For consumers this means an apple that will give them a zesty crunch after hours in a lunchbox, days in a fruit bowl, or weeks in a refrigerator.
GOOD EYE APPEAL
Zestar! Apples are nice and round with an average diameter of approximately 3 inches. Their color is 60-85 percent red depending on exposure to the sun. Where the sun shines on the fruit, a bright rosy-red blush develops. Shaded areas are often creamy yellow. One Minnesota grower, who usually sees nice red color on at least half of each fruit pointed out, “My customers don’t care what it looks like, once it passes their lips!”

Make sure to ask us for a sample on your next visit to Lapacek’s Orchard!