Zestar! is another standout from the University of Minnesota, bred from a cross of State Fair x MN 1691. An early to mid-season apple, it ripens in late August to early September at Benson’s Farm in Missoula—just in time to beat the fall frost.

Flavor & Use

• Crunchy, subacid, and pleasantly spiced—with a hint of cinnamon.

• Only tried fresh so far, but we love the refreshing snap and complex flavor.

• One of the best-storing summer apples we’ve grown—holds up over two months in the fridge without turning mealy.

Cold Hardiness

• Hardy to -40F, and possibly -45F.

• Use caution in regions colder than that—this variety may not hold up in Zone 2 or colder pockets without protection.

Rootstock & Growing Tips

For Spring 2025, we’ve grafted Zestar! onto two rootstocks:

• Dolgo – A full-size tree, hardy to -60F. Great for cold climates and long-term hardiness.

• M26 – A semi-dwarf, but only hardy to -40F. Suitable for milder microclimates.

⚠️ If your winters dip to -50F or colder, consider hardier alternatives, as we don’t yet have experience growing Zestar! in extreme cold.