KinderKrisp Apples
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
KinderKrisp apples are small in size, averaging 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and have a conical to oblate shape with flat, curved shoulders tapering to a narrow base. The apple’s stem is short, slender, green to brown, woody, and fibrous, connected to the fruit through a broad, deep cavity. The skin is semi-thin, smooth, taut, and glossy, featuring prominent white lenticels and the occasional bloom as the apples ripen. The skin also develops a greasiness when stored for extended periods. KinderKrisp apples ripen from green to pale yellow and are almost entirely covered in a bright red, crimson, to burgundy blush. The blush is comprised of red streaking, stippling, and saturated to translucent patches, and in lighter spots, the yellow shines through the red, giving spots an orange hue. Underneath the skin, ivory to pale yellow flesh is coarse-grained, firm, and aqueous with a crisp, crunchy, and succulent consistency. The flesh is also slow to brown when cut and encases a moderate-sized central core filled with 7 to 10 tiny, black-brown seeds reaching nine millimeters in length. KinderKrisp apples release a honeyed, spice-filled scent when ripe and are edible raw, known for their high sugar and low acid content. The flesh ranges around 14 degrees Brix, a sugar measurement unit, creating a sweet, tart, fruity, and subtly floral taste with cinnamon notes and apple cider nuances.
Seasons/Availability
KinderKrisp apples are harvested in the late summer through early fall, with a peak season from late August through September.
Current Facts
KinderKrisp apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are an American variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The early to mid-season fruits grow in clusters on compact trees reaching three meters in height and were selected as a new commercial cultivar in the early 21st century. KinderKrisp apples were naturally bred in Minnesota and are a cold-tolerant variety valued for their disease resistance, hardiness, and easy-to-grow nature. The cultivar is commercially grown for retail markets and is favored by consumers for the fruit’s small size, crunchy nature, and sweet taste. KinderKrisp apples are thought to be descendants of Honeycrisp apples, sharing similar qualities, but the variety ripens faster than Honeycrisp, making it a popular home garden tree. Once harvested, the fruits can be stored for extended periods and are versatile, able to be used in fresh and cooked preparations.
Nutritional Value
KinderKrisp apples have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Like other bi-colored apples, the variety is a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, vitamin C to boost the immune system, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Apples also provide magnesium to control nerve functions, copper to build connective tissues, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, and other nutrients, including vitamin K, zinc, manganese, vitamin E, and vitamin A. The apple's pigmented skin contains anthocyanins, natural compounds with antioxidant-like properties that protect the cells against free radical damage.
Applications
KinderKrisp apples have a sweet, tart, and spice-filled flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily consumed out of hand and is valued for its small size, ample juice, and crunchy flesh. KinderKrisp apples are recommended for on-the-go lunches for children and adults, and the apple’s smaller nature allows it to be consumed as a snack. KinderKrisp apples can also be skewered, dipped whole in caramel or chocolate, tossed into salads, served on charcuterie boards, or sliced and layered on nut butter toast. The apples can also be sliced and stuffed into sandwiches, added to fresh spring rolls, or sliced on crostini. In addition to fresh preparations, KinderKrisp apples can be simmered into jams, jellies, and preserves or cooked into applesauce and apple butter. The variety can also be incorporated into crumbles, baked into pies and turnovers, fried into fritters, or sauteed in browned butter and poured over vanilla ice cream. KinderKrisp apples complement sweet or savory dishes, and the cultivar is occasionally roasted and served as a side dish to roasted meats. KinderKrisp apples pair well with celery, root vegetables, herbs such as parsley, rosemary, and mint, nuts including pecans, almonds, and pine, and meats such as poultry, turkey, and pork. Whole, unwashed KinderKrisp apples will keep for 1 to 2 months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark location such as a cellar, cold storage, or the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The name KinderKrisp was derived from the apple’s small size and crunchy nature. It is said children like the apple as it can easily fit in their hands and can be transported in school lunches where it is enjoyed as a sweet snack. “Kinder” stems from German and roughly translates to mean “children.” Krisp is a play on the crunchy texture of the apples, a quality highlighted to attract consumers who appreciate other crunchy apples like Honeycrisp. KinderKrisp apples were created by fruit breeder David Macgregor, part owner of Fairhaven Farm in Fairhaven, Minnesota. The farm was initially purchased by Marsha Anklam in 1985 and was originally a plot for corn and soybeans. Anklam worked at the Horticultural Resource Center in Minnesota and desired to establish a fruit farm. Several years after purchasing the farm, David Macgregor joined the endeavor and began apple breeding in 1992. Fairhaven Farm now grows over twenty varieties of apples, with a focus on Minnesota cultivars, and Macgregor has created several unique varieties, including CrabbyCrisp, KinderKrisp, and Intensity apples.
Geography/History
KinderKrisp apples are native to the United States and were bred in Fairhaven, Minnesota, in the late 20th century. Fruit breeder and farm owner David Macgregor planted several open-pollinated seeds in 1998 on his farm, acquiring the seeds from various apples grown in the area of Fairhaven. Macgregor then cultivated and evaluated the new seedlings and noticed a seedling that produced fruits distinct from the other trees. He selected this seedling and allowed it to bear fruit, labeling it MAC 2137. The variety's parentage is unknown, but it is speculated that Honeycrisp may be a possible parent in its lineage. In 2003, MAC 2137 apples were grafted onto rootstock and bred to create a variety suitable for commercial cultivation. The apples were later submitted for a patent in 2012, receiving approval in 2015 under USPP #25,453, and the patent is tentatively said to expire in 2033. When MAC 2137 apples were released to commercial markets in the early 21st century, the variety was branded under the name KinderKrisp apples for increased consumer appeal. Today, KinderKrisp apples are a commercial variety cultivated and sold throughout the United States. When in season, the apples are found directly through growers, farmer’s markets, and select retailers.
