Zestar Apple
Introduced in 1999 by the University of Minnesota as another cold hardy apple. The Zestar, also called Minnewashta, is a cross between the State Fair and MN 1691 apples. It is medium sized and ripens in August. Its skin is green that blushes to 60-85% red. Its flesh is white and crispy that tastes very sweet with notes of brown sugar. Unlike other early apples, it stores well; up to two months in ideal conditions.
This apple likes smaller rootstock and grows well as a dwarf or semi-dwarf. The tree is precocious and does not ripen all at once allowing for multiple harvest. It is mildly resistant to fire blight but should be sprayed with a standard fruit tree spray to keep the bugs away.
USDA Zone: 3-9
Mature Height:
M.27: ~10-12' or 35-40% of Standard; Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
M.9: ~12-14' or 45-50% of Standard; (small) Semi-Dwarf
M.7: ~15-16' or 65% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
B.118: ~18-20' or 85% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf (Ships Spring 2024)
Sun: Full Sun
Bloom Group: 2, Early Mid Season
Ripening Time: Early September
Pollination: Required