Zestar! is another University of Minnesota introduction. A cross between State Fair and MN 1691, Zestar is an early-mid ripening apple, ripening late August to early September at Benson’s Farm in Missoula. Zestar packs a nice crunch and actually stores the best of most summer apples we’ve grown, storing for over two months in the fridge without becoming mealy.

We’ve only ever eaten Zestar fresh and we would describe it as crunchy, pleasant, and subacid, with nice spice flavor of cinnamon.

Zestar is likely on par with Honeycrisp. Hardy to -40F and possibly -45F. Use caution if growing it in areas colder than these.

We grafted our 2025 inventory onto Dolgo full size rootstock and the semi-dwarf M26. Dolgo is hardy to -60F whereas M26 is only hardy to -40F so choose wisely. If you are in an area that sees -50F or lower, perhaps look to other apples because we do not have experience growing it this cold.