Snow Sweet Apples: A Delightful Variety for Northern Gardeners
Introduction
Are you searching for a delicious and easy-to-grow apple variety for your northern climate? Look no further than Snow Sweet apples! Developed by the University of Minnesota, these apples offer a unique combination of sweetness, disease resistance, and long storage life.
About Snow Sweet Apples
Snow Sweet apples stand out with their exceptional flavor and appearance. The apples have a mostly sweet taste with a hint of tartness, and tasters often describe a rich, buttery flavor that sets them apart from other varieties. One of the most remarkable features of Snow Sweet apples is their bright white flesh, which oxidizes slowly, keeping it white longer than most other apple varieties. This makes them perfect for salads, desserts, and other dishes where you want to showcase their beautiful appearance.
Growing Snow Sweet Apples
Growing Snow Sweet apple trees is a great option for gardeners of all levels, especially those in northern climates. These trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6 and 7, and they thrive in sunny locations. While they don’t require fertilizer in the first year, subsequent years may benefit from fertilization if the soil is not very rich or if the trees are not growing adequately.
Once established, Snow Sweet apple trees require minimal care. They have good disease resistance, but it’s still important to monitor them regularly for any signs of issues. Water the trees only when there is insufficient rainfall, as they have moderate drought tolerance.
Harvesting and Storing Snow Sweet Apples
Snow Sweet apples are typically ready to harvest in mid-September, about two weeks after Honeycrisp apples. To ensure the best flavor and texture, harvest the apples when they are fully ripe but still firm. Store the apples in a cool, dark place for up to two months to extend their shelf life.
Benefits of Growing Snow Sweet Apple Trees
Growing Snow Sweet apple trees offers several advantages:
- Delicious and unique flavor: Snow Sweet apples are prized for their sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of tartness.
- Slow oxidation: The bright white flesh of Snow Sweet apples oxidizes slowly, making them perfect for salads, desserts, and other dishes where you want to maintain their appearance.
- Disease resistance: Snow Sweet apple trees have above-average resistance to fire blight and scab, making them a low-maintenance choice.
- Hardiness: These trees can be grown in hardiness zones as low as 4, making them suitable for northern climates.
- Long storage life: Snow Sweet apples can be stored for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy their delicious flavor throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking for an easy-to-grow and flavorful apple variety, Snow Sweet apple trees are an excellent choice. Their combination of delicious flavor, disease resistance, and long storage life make them a must-have for any northern garden.
