Zestar!® Apple Tree

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. Worth a wait after picking.

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 a longer harvest period. It is mildly resistant to apple scab and even resistant to apple cedar rust to fire blight.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Mature Heights: 

M.27: Dwarf ~8-10' Tall at Maturity

M.7: Semi-Dwarf ~15-17' Tall at Maturity

M.111: Semi-Standard ~18-21' Tall at Maturity

Sun: Full Sun

Bloom Group: 2, Early Mid Season

Ripening Time: Early September

Pollination: Required