Unique Features: The Frostbite apple was one of the early apple varieties developed by the University of Minnesota in 1921, but it was not released until 2008 and the mature apples did not become available to the public until 2014.  During that time, the Frostbite was integral to the U of M apple breeding program, contributing its genes to the Keepsake, Sweet Sixteen and Honeycrisp apples, among others. For most of that time the Frostbite was considered too flavorful to be released and the small size, 2 ½”, probably influenced this to a degree. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are all good pollinators for the Frostbite which will ripen in late September to mid-October.  This small apple has cherry red skin with golden freckles that form stripes with enough sun. The flesh is orange yellow, with occasional bursts of red, and the flavor is sugarcane sweet combined with tart cherry notes.