Now Picking :: Zestar!

 

Early season fav Zestar! starts us off!!

Late July apple Pristine, cropped little this year and had pest damage, so Leo has eaten what was harvested there! Paula Red is another early season fav often spotted at the Market, but it is not cropping this year. Coming soon - John is watching the Chestnut Crab.

Did you know Zestar! was the big apple before Honeycrisp?!

Zestar! has a pleasing crisp texture, juicy, sweet-tart flavor with a hint of brown sugar. Excellent for fresh eating, storage and great for cooking too. Excellent storage qualities. Keeps 1-2 months.

Parentage: State Fair x MN 1691.

Offspring: SweeTango.

History: This apple was developed by horticulturalists at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Horticultural Research Center and was introduced in 1998. It was bred to survive in cold climates. 

Apple Shares close August 20th!!

Sign up now open for everyone!! Closing Aug. 20.

2026 will be our 15th season on the farm and 13th year of Apple Shares CSA! Email us to join the wait list. :) Email Brooke and John at info@alternativerootsfarm.com

Fall Apple Share Offerings for 2026

Each week enjoy a 4 lb bag of fresh & local apples.

Each bag sports 1-2 varieties of our organic apples. A mix of standard, lesser known and old heritage types. We'll send out a short weekly newsletter, with apple facts, orchard notes and a recipe. Begins the first week of September.

Three weekly pick up locations:

A.R.F. farm store (Th., Fri., or Sat.) - 6 or 8 weeks

New Ulm Pick Up, Turner Halle Lot (Th. at 5:00pm) - 6 or 8 weeks

Saturdays at the Mankato Farmers Market (8am-12pm) - 6 weeks

$60 :: 6 week Fall Apple Share

$78 :: 8 week Fall Apple Share *best price

*We are maintaining 2025 pricing for this season.

*4 lbs not enough? The option to sign up for 2 shares is available.

READ MORE & SIGN UP LINK   --> Fall Apple Shares