Just learned that Honeycrisp apples weren't even around until the 1990s

I was reading a farming newsletter from Michigan State University last night and came across something that surprised me. Turns out Honeycrisp apples were only developed in 1991 and didn't hit stores until the late 90s. I always figured they were some old heirloom variety like Granny Smith or Red Delicious, not a new invention. Did anyone else grow up thinking the same thing, or am I the only one who never checked the history?

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robertb302mo ago

Honeycrisp being a 1990s creation makes total sense to me honestly. The whole reason they're so expensive is because of that specific breeding program and the patent system that came with it. Old heirloom varieties don't have that kind of commercial protection behind them.

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fiona_johnson822mo ago

Ha! So basically we're all paying off their 1990s Apple mortgage.

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