Zone 3 - Minnesota c.1900 Released as Frostbite in 2008

Dessert, cooking
Mid-late season

Parentage: open pollinated seedling of Malinda
A grandparent of the spectacular Honeycrisp. This apple was once known as Minnesota 447. It was a seedling selected by Peter Gideon, one of the first breeders in North America. It was never named but used in breeding work at the University of Minnesota. Many people pestered the University to name it. Finally a contest was launched and from 7000 entries the name Frostbite was chosen. The skin is deeply coloured and often netted with russet. Describing the flavour is challenging. Bob says “it’s as if the complex essences of this apple have been distilled, and concentrated. It is like comparing wine to a well aged brandy.” The fruit has a lowkey tang but with a sweetness some compare to molasses or sugar cane. It has an underlying taste of nuts, and a great crunch when you bite into it.

Potted