MN55 (apple) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malus domestica 'MN55' |
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| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus domestica |
| Hybrid parentage | Honeycrisp and AA44 |
| Cultivar | 'MN55' |
| Marketing names | Rave®, First Kiss® |
| Origin | Excelsior, Minnesota |
The MN55 apple is a special type of apple created by scientists at the University of Minnesota. It was developed by David Bedford and James Luby. This apple is a mix of two other apple types: the popular Honeycrisp and another apple called MonArk (also known as AA44).
The University of Minnesota holds a patent for the MN55 apple. This means they own the rights to it. Scientifically, this apple is known as Malus domestica.
The MN55 apple was first created in 1997. It was made by naturally mixing pollen from two different apple trees, a process called cross-pollination. The same team at the University of Minnesota also developed the well-known Honeycrisp apple and the SweeTango apple.
You can find MN55 apples sold under two brand names: Rave and First Kiss. The quality of these apples can depend on where they are grown and how they are cared for. To make sure the apples are always good, the University of Minnesota carefully chooses who can grow them. Outside of Minnesota, the apples are sold as Rave by Stemilt Growers. In Minnesota, local growers sell them as First Kiss apples.
What Makes MN55 Apples Special?
The MN55 apple ripens early in the year, usually ready to pick in July. These apples are medium to large in size and have a round, slightly cone-like shape.
They are known for being very crisp and juicy, much like the Honeycrisp apple. Their MonArk parent helps them ripen quickly, gives them a mostly dark red color, and allows them to be stored for a long time.
How Can You Use MN55 Apples?
Rave and First Kiss apples are best for eating fresh. They are perfect for a snack or in a salad.
Baking with these apples is not recommended. Their flesh is very delicate, and they tend to fall apart when cooked.
How Were MN55 Apples Developed?
- The MN55 apple was created through traditional crossbreeding, not by using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This was a very hard job! It took David Bedford and James Luby more than 14,000 tries to get it right.
- It took a long time, about 20 years, from the first crossbreeding of MN55 to the first time commercial Rave apples were sold.
- MN55 apples can sometimes fall off the tree before they are ready to be picked. Because of this, growers need to watch them very closely.
