Honeycrisp Apples: The End of an Era for Pricey Produce?
Don’t miss out on the Honeycrisp apple saga! Will prices continue to fall, or will quality make a comeback? Find out more! š #Honeycrisp #ApplePrices #BuyLocal
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Once the apple of every Minnesotan’s eye, the Honeycrisp’s reign of sticker shock might be coming to an end. Known for its crispy texture and sweet taste, this apple variety has been a favorite since it was first introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1991. It quickly became a hit, with prices soaring to $4 per pound in 2012. But times are changing.
Prices have dropped significantly, with the average cost now at $1.70 per pound compared to $2.49 last year. This price drop is due to an increase in food supply. Over the past two decades, farmers have planted more Honeycrisp trees, and now those trees are producing a lot of apples. In fact, this winter’s surplus is 71% higher than the five-year average.
But there’s a catch. As the supply has gone up, the quality has gone down. Some nurseries have been producing Honeycrisp trees that look good but don’t taste as great. Plus, the warm climate in Washington, the top apple-producing state, isn’t ideal for growing top-quality Honeycrisps. And the more apples there are, the longer they have to be stored, which can also affect their taste.
Growing Honeycrisps isn’t cheap either. They bruise easily and need to be picked by hand, which adds to the cost. If prices continue to stay low, farmers might think twice about planting more Honeycrisp trees.
In Minnesota, though, things are a bit different. The state’s cold climate is perfect for growing Honeycrisps, and local growers usually sell out each season. So, if you’re looking for that classic Honeycrisp flavor, it’s best to buy local, especially between late August and Thanksgiving when Minnesota apples are in season.
š£ What’s your fave kind of apple? Let us know in the comments section below! ā¬ļø
