Minnesota 447

Frostbite was just recently named by the University of Minnesota. Known as MN 447, it is an older cultivar that has been used as a parent in the breeding of other successful U of MN apple varieties. Because of its unique, sweet, aromatic, and unusual flavor people who know MN 447 had been encouraging the University to release it. The fruit is only small to medium in size, being 2¼ to 2½ inches in diameter, but is very firm, crisp and juicy. It will store for 3-4 months in common storage at 34-37°F. The flesh is a creamy, light yellow. It is an attractive maroon red over a yellow gold background. It usually exhibits striped coloration, but often can be somewhat dappled. It sometimes russets lightly, depending on the season. Like most Minnesota varieties, it is extremely hardy to USDA Zone 3b (-30 to -35°F). It has low to medium vigor. The tree is spreading and produces annually.