The spotlight is shining bright on Zestar!® apples this week. This medium to large varietal boasts a round to conical shape with flat shoulders that taper to a narrow base. The skin, which is semi-thick, taut, smooth, taut, and waxy, tends to bruise easily. Developed for cold hardiness, this early season apple originates from the University of Minnesota breeding program.
All About Zestar! Apples
This solid early apple features a sweet-tart taste with a hint of brown sugar flavoring. The skin is mostly red with a yellow undercolor, and the flesh is white and crispy. Zestar! apples brown quickly but they bring a nice texture for cooking. They have a shelf life of a couple of months, and are the parent of the new popular variety, SweeTango.
Zestar! apples are nutritious like all apples, and are a good source of fiber for regulating the digestive tract. They also contain vitamin A for healthy organs, potassium for fluid level balance, calcium for strong teeth and bones, vitamin C for a strong immune system, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, and many other nutrients. The skin has antioxidant-like properties that protect cells against the damage done by free radicals.
What Are Zestar! Apples Good For?
As we said above, Zestar! apples bruise easily so they may not be a good addition to your lunch box for school or work. But they are great for many other uses, according to Specialty Produce, including:
- Sliced into salads
- Served on toast
- Served alongside cheeses such as cheddar, brie, Roquefort cheese, and parmesan
- Chopped over oatmeal and parfaits
- Blended into smoothies, fruit juices, and shakes
- Simmered into syrups, jellies, and jams
- Spread with caramel or nut butter
- Blended into pies, cakes, breads, and muffins
- Cooked into applesauce
- Served as a side for roasted meat dishes
- Served with nuts including walnuts and almonds
- Spiced with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger
Zestar! apples keep for up to eight weeks in cool, dry, and dark spots such as basements or refrigerator crisper drawers.
Visit Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
While it’s a bit too soon for our apple orchard to open, we encourage you to plan a visit to our Apple Haus where we have a bakery, winery, and cider mill to enjoy in the meantime. Call us today to find out about all the activities going on as well.
