Apples 101 – About SugarBee Apples

Click below to see my video about SugarBee apples…

Origin
SugarBee apples were first discovered in an apple orchard in Minnesota. It was cross-pollinated by a bee between a Honeycrisp apple and another undetermined variety. Mr. Nystrom, the owner of the Ocheda Orchard, found the new variety of apple tree growing among other trees. He took a bite of the large, round, brightly colored apple and discovered it was crisp and very sweet. Mr. Nystrom called the apple “B-51.”

Word of this new apple spread to Chelan Fruit Cooperative and Gebbers Farms in Washington state, where growing conditions would be ideal for this new apple. In 2013, Mr. Nystrom agreed to allow Chelan Fresh orchard the growing rights to the new apple, where it was renamed “SugarBee” in honor of the bee that did such fabulous work in choosing which trees to cross-pollinate.

Nutrition Facts
The nutritional aspects of SugarBee apples would be roughly equivalent to that of other sweet apples. One SugarBee apple has about 95 calories. They are high in Vitamin C and fiber. They also supply potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, manganese, riboflavin, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, thiamin, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

It is worth noting that a lot of the nutrients found in apples are in the skin. So, it’s worth eating the peel of apples, if possible.

Characteristics of SugarBee Apples
Appearance. SugarBee apples look very much like their Honeycrisp parent. The skin is relatively thin and glossy, with yellow-orange-green colors overlaying a bright red apple. The apple is large and round, with a slightly tapered shape, similar to a Honeycrisp.

Flavor and Texture. The flesh is creamy white with a coarse, juicy, and crispy texture. The flavor is very sweet and aromatic, with some floral notes under the sugar.

Storage/Shelf-Life. SugarBee apples store well and can be kept in the refrigerator or other cool, dry storage for several months. Not only do SugarBee apples store well, but they maintain their crispness, flavor, and juiciness during storage, which is not the case with all apples.

Best Uses for SugarBee Apples
Fresh. SugarBee apples are excellent for eating fresh, since they are crispy and sweet. They can be eaten out of hand or cut and included in salads. They would pair well with gouda or sharp cheddar cheese for a simple snack.

Baking. SugarBee apples can be baked into pies, cakes, crisps, and strudel with the usual spices that pair well with apples, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They can also be used for baked apples since they hold their shape well when baked.

Cooking. SugarBee apples can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes. They can be made into applesauce and are sweet enough that it could be made without added sugar (or with very little added sugar, depending on your taste preferences). They may be incorporated into soups and compotes, or used to make jam, and even apple juice and cider.

Drying. SugarBee apples are perfect for dehydrating. They keep their shape well.

Recipe Links
Visit this page for a collection of recipes designed for the SugarBee apple…Recipes Using SugarBee Apples  https://sugarbeeapple.com/category/recipes/

In Season: What to Make with SugarBee Apples https://www.chelanfresh.com/in-season-what-to-make-with-sugarbee-apples/

Resources
https://sugarbeeapple.com/the-sugarbee-story/

https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Sugar_Bee_Apples_18673.php

https://www.goodfruit.com/sugarbee-causes-a-buzz/

https://www.chelanfresh.com/in-season-what-to-make-with-sugarbee-apples/

https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1809/2

https://theproducenews.com/headlines/sugarbee-apples-open-doors-close-sales

https://www.sprouts.com/healthy-living/comparing-apples-to-apples/

 

About Judi

Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying “all things food” in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. Her hunger to learn didn’t stop upon graduation from college. She continues to research on a regular basis about nutrition as it relates to health. Her hope is to help as many people as possible to enjoy foods that promote health and wellness.