ONE OF MY FAVORITE APPLES has been Honeycrisp. Recently it has come under fire for its short shelf life. Its taste can deliver a mediocre experience, characterized by its mushiness. This attribute may be “a kiss of death” for the once-popular variety in the competitive fresh apple market.
Then again look at the run the Red Delicious has had - a name that is a contradiction in terms if there ever was one. Last year I wrote about this historically popular red apple and its stubborn resistance to being replaced by improved varieties. https://www.bobadamshumorist.com/post/delicious-apples
The Honeycrisp apple rose in popularity at the turn of the century when it was grown in the upper Midwest garnering premium prices for its amazing honey-sweet flavor and snappy first-bite profile. The orchards grew the Honeycrisp in colder climates delivering a refreshing flavor to the juicy, thin-skinned apple bred in Minnesota.
Over the ensuing decades, a chain of events led to a decline in the quality of this beloved apple variety, mostly from its expansion to orchards growing the apple in the State of Washington in much warmer climates than its breeders had intended.
Genevieve Yam penned a thorough and well-documented feature on Honeycrisp’s fall from grace that I highly recommend. https://www.seriouseats.com/how-honeycrisp-apples-went-from-marvel-to-mediocre-8753117
So, what are we to do about this apparent dilemma?
My spin is that investment returns drive breeders and orchardists and improved varieties will be forthcoming that are better adapted to the region in which they are grown.
It is best to be aware of your orchard of origin and take a few risks as you try the numerous apple offerings. You might discover a new favorite apple grown by your local orchardist.
Let’s all keep up the effort.
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