State Fair Apple

Flavor Profile

• Crisp and juicy with a semi-sweet taste balanced by moderate tartness.
• Aromatic and flavorful, making it versatile for fresh eating and light cooking.

Appearance

• Medium, round-conic fruit about 2.5–3.0 inches (6–7.5 cm) in diameter.
• Brilliant red stripes over a yellow-green ground.
• Creamy-yellow flesh that is firm, juicy, and slow to brown.

Harvest & Storage

• Ripens early, typically mid to late August (the same time as the Minnesota State Fair).
• Stores for 2–4 weeks at 32–40 °F (0–4 °C); best enjoyed shortly after harvest for peak crispness.

Tree Characteristics & Care

• Semi-dwarf habit reaching 15–20 ft (4.5–6 m) tall and wide, with a rounded canopy and a 4 ft (1.2 m) clear trunk.
• Vigorous growth suited to home orchards; withstands cold down to –40 °F (–40 °C).
• Susceptible to fire blight and can bear biennially if not thinned annually.
• Standard dormant pruning and summer thinning improve airflow and fruit size.

Pollination

• Self-sterile, flowering in mid-season (Group 2).
• Plant alongside other Group 2 or 3 varieties (e.g., Granny Smith, Dolgo crab, Pink Pearl) for reliable fruit set.

Origin & Heritage

• Developed by the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program and introduced commercially in 1977.
• Released as an early-season all-purpose apple prized for its striking stripes and versatile flavor.