![U of M Researchers Unveil New Apple Variety](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/10/MN-55.jpg?w=980&q=75)
U of M Researchers Unveil New Apple Variety
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - University of Minnesota researchers have high hopes for a new apple they say shares some qualities with their popular Honeycrisp variety.
That's no surprise since the new fruit is a cross between the Honeycrisp and the MonArk. The Honeycrisp is known for its texture and flavor, while the MonArk is known for its early ripening date.
The goal of the new apple, which is dubbed MN55 for now, is to bring a crisper variety to market earlier.
The research team began working on the apple in the late 1990s. Now it's beginning to enter the early marketing stage with the hope of growing and distributing it on a wider scale.
Apple orchards are already able to grow and sell MN55. It's expected to hit grocery stores nationwide within the next few years.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)