All About Zestar Apple Tree

The Zestar apple tree is a popular choice for fruit growers due to its sweet taste, making it a healthy option for a snack. As a hybrid apple cultivar, it was first introduced in the United States in 1999 by the University of Minnesota.

This early-season variety lasts over a month and offers a tasty flavor, gaining popularity among farmers and consumers for its exceptional taste, high yield, and disease resistance. This article will explore more details about the characteristics and uses of this apple tree.

Characteristics & Size of the Tree:

• Appearance: Zestar apples, known for their round shape, feature bright red and yellow skin. A rosy-red blush develops as they receive more sun exposure, while the shaded area retains its yellowish hue. These apples exhibit a slight blush on the skin, often speckled with small dots. With a size of about 3 inches (7.6 cm), these apples are relatively small compared to other varieties. The tree grows to 8-10 feet in height and spreads about 10-12 feet wide.
• Texture: These apples have juicy flesh and offer a firm and crispy bite, delivering a satisfying crunch. They possess a well-balanced flavor profile with hints of honey and citrus, combining tartness and sweetness.
• Ripening: Zestar apples are recognized as an early-season variety for their prompt ripening. Usually, they reach maturity in late August or early September, marking them as one of the initial apple types to do so each year. This early ripening brings delight to apple growers and enthusiasts alike.
• Resistance: The Zestar apple tree is known for its hardiness, enabling it to endure cold temperatures and thrive in regions with harsh winter climates.
• Storage life: These apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months without affecting their taste. Because they are firm and have thick skin that preserves them. They also oxidize slowly, preventing them from turning brown quickly. These apples are an excellent choice for long-term storage.

Uses of Zestar Apples:

These fruits can be utilized in various ways owing to their sweet taste and crisp texture. This section will delve into some of the common uses of these apple varieties.

1. Fresh Eating: These apples are delightful as a snack or a healthy addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are suitable for raw consumption with a firm texture and a well-balanced taste. Moreover, they offer essential vitamins and fiber.
2. Baking: Zestar apples hold their shape well when baked, making them a good choice for pies, sweet tarts, desserts, and muffins. They have a tart flavor that pairs well with peanut butter, cinnamon, and other warming spices.
3. Cooking: These apples can be prepared in various cooking methods, such as sautéing, roasting, and grilling. They contribute a delightful sweet-tart flavor to savory dishes and complement meats, vegetables, and grains well.
4. Juice: Zestar apples can be juiced to make a refreshing and healthy drink. The fluid can be mixed with other fruits or vegetables to create a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits.

The taste of Zestar apples

Thanks to the University of Minnesota, the Zestar apple has a unique flavor profile that differentiates it from other apple varieties. This apple has a sweet and tart taste with a hint of spice, making it a delightful addition to salads, desserts, and many other culinary applications.

Best Care for Your Zestar Trees:

Apple trees thrive in rich soil with suitable drainage and regular fertilization. They are ideal for northern climates, specially designed to withstand cold temperatures. Regardless of the region’s climate, apple trees should be fully exposed to the sun and have well-drained soil.

Read the article Apple Tree Varieties

It is essential to check the soil’s moisture level, especially during fruit production, To prevent dryness. Using arborist sawdust as mulch around apple roots and testing the ground for deficiencies before adding fertilizer are essential steps.

Apple trees can thrive in different soil types with adequate water, nutrients, and pH. Apples are available for sale in small and medium sizes, offering options based on individual budget preferences.

Health Benefits of Zestar Apples:

Apples are an excellent source of nutrition with numerous health benefits.

Additionally, the pectin in these apples helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Zestar apples are rich in vitamins, including vitamins A, B complex, and C. They are also a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Using Zestar in Apple Landscapes:

The Zestar apple tree, with its spring blooms and stunning foliage, is an excellent choice for landscaping as an ornamental tree. Planting it close to the garden attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds to its early spring nectar resources.

When planted in your backyard, these apple trees provide shade for kids to play under. The stunning blooms each spring and the red gems hanging from the branches in the fall are attractive landscape features.

Final Summary about Zestar Apples

This apple cultivar stands out for its exceptional taste, abundant yield, and disease resistance. The relatively compact tree makes it suitable for small gardens or orchards.

If you have planted this tree in your yard, we would love to hear about your experience and how it is doing in your garden.