The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the home of more than a few great inventions. Residents of our beautiful state have created world-famous toys such as Tonka Trucks, rollerblades, and Nerf balls. Medical researchers have created innovative new pacemakers, hearing aids, and other medical devices. Many foods have been created in Minnesota as well, such as Spam, cold-hardy grapes, and the iconic Jucy Lucy – to name a few. It is in this last category that the subject of this article falls into. Many of the world’s best apple varieties were created in Minnesota, including the famous honeycrisp apple. Read on to learn about this delicious fruit’s Minnesota roots.

If you're a fan of apples, you've probably had a taste or two of the honeycrisp variety. But did you know that the apple was invented in Minnesota? The University of Minnesota has an apple research program that has resulted in many popular apple varieties, including the honeycrisp.
Michele Dorsey Walfred/Flickr
The apple was first developed in 1960 as a hybrid of two other apples, including the keepsake. The honeycrisp is also related to the popular golden delicious apple. Though the apple had good genetics, it still needed a lot of testing. It wasn't released commercially until 1990!
John Fingas/Flickr

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Ever since, the honeycrisp has been a highly sought after apple. Thanks to its cold hardiness, it's commonly grown in the northern United States. There are orchards throughout Minnesota, New England, and Washington.
Andrea Zanivan/Flickr
According to Farm Flavor, the honeycrisp is the 6th most popular apple in the United States. That's thanks to the apple's perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They're great for eating raw or cooked.
urbanfoodie33/Flickr
In 2006, the honeycrisp became Minnesota's official state fruit. This popular apple is just one of our state's many claims to fame. Not only is it delicious, but it is Minnesota-made!
Chris Devers/Flickr

Interested in more things invented in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Check out our past article about products invented in Minnesota.

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