Common Varieties​

We offer a range of apple varieties, most of them home to Minnesota. ​

FIRST KISS

Available Now
​(mid-to-late August)

Latest release from the University of Minnesota breeding program. This early apple features a crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor very unique for this time in the year. It is a cross between Honeycrisp and Monarch, a little known Arkansas Variety. Best for eating.

ZESTAR!

Available Now
​(August to early September)

A true MVP in any orchard. This Minnesota variety is loved across the country for it’s flavor and dependability. Large, crunchy, juicy red fruit with a sprightly sweet-tart flavor. Excellent for both fresh eating and cooking. The fruit will store for 6 to 8 weeks.

CHESTNUT CRAB

Available Now
​(early September)

This ain’t your grandma’s crabapple. Chestnut crab is another Minnesota variety with an incredibly rish, nutty flavor. It literally tasts like honeycomb. Best for fresh eating or sauce. The fruit stores for 4 to 5 weeks. An absolute treasure.

GINGER GOLD

Finished for 2023
​​(early September)

 Ginger Gold is an old variety that's forever refreshing. It features a crisp texture, more crunchy than explosive. It's sweet, mild flavor has a distinctive taste of orchard honey. This apple is a good keeper and good for baking. The apple was originally discovered in the 1960s amongst a Golden Delicious orchard in Virginia.

AUTUMN BLUSH

Available now
(early September)

This apple is a never release variety from the University of Minnesota. While the University didn't see it's potential, we've grown to love it and therefore gave it a name: Autumn Blush. It's flavor is similar to that of Ginger Gold but with more spark, more acid, and therefore more tartness. However, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a tart apple. Not by a long shot. Autumn Blush has attracted a bit of a fan cult with folks patroning the farm just for this apple.

SWEET SIXTEEN

(early October)​

Minnesota variety with an incredibly rich, cherry candy like flavor, and hard texture. The fruit stores for 5 to 8 weeks. One of our family’s favorite apples.

HONEYCRISP

(mid September)

Does it even need a description? This here apple is actually the state fruit of Minnesota. It made waves, or actually, tsunamis in the apple world and put Minnesota on the map as the primier breeding program in the country. It’s unique cell structure gives it a truly explosive texture, that leaves juice trailing down your chin. Best for eating fresh and in salads. Too juicy for baking. 

REGENT

(early to mid October)

Appealing red-striped apple with a well-balanced flavor that is good for eating and cooking. The fruit will store for 4 to 5 months

By request.

HARALSON

(late September to early October)

An old time favorite of Minnesotans, and a go to for those who desire a tarter apple. Haralson has a firm texture good for fresh eating and cooking. An especially good pies apple. The fruit will store for 4 to 5 months. Introduced in 1922.

SNOWSWEET

(mid October)

Savory, sweet tasting apple, with a slight tart balance and rich overtones. Amazingly slow to turn brown when cut. Appealing, large, bronze-red blush fruit. Excellent for fresh eating, snack trays, and salads. Introduced in 2006.

KEEPSAKE

(mid to late October)

Another favorite of our family. This Minnesota variety has a rich sweet, spicy flavor whose complexity matches that of a red wine. Its dense texture, creamy flesh, and small size makes it the perfect snack. Good for fresh eating and cooking. The fruit will store for 6 months. Introduced in 1978.

List and Descriptions of Fairhaven Varieties