The University of Minnesota developed the Haralson apple in 1923, recently the Honeycrisp, another of its breeding successes, was honored as one of the top 25 innovations of the last ten years.  Our state’s apple success began in the 1850s when Peter and his wife Wealthy Gideon settled in Excelsior near Lake Minnetonka. He planted thousands of seeds, believing that he could find an apple tree that would thrive in Minnesota’s climate. Hundreds of dead trees later and nearing the end of his financial limits, he crossbred a surviving apple with a sturdy cherry crabapple and 1868 he had his proof. When one hearty tree bearing tasty apples survived, he named this new kind of apple after his wife. Over the years that followed he worked to popularize his prize apple among growers. At his death in 1899 he was hailed nationally for hybridizing and propagating new fruits of which the Wealthy was “a variety indispensable to every fruit grower.”  Recent DNA testing discovered a genetic link between the Wealthy and the Haralson. Whichever Minnesota apple you use to make this pie, you’ll discover it is a keeper.

 

1880s Apple Custard Pie

 

3 apples, peeled and grated on large side of box grater

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 ounce chopped almonds

2 1/2 tablespoons currants

1 unbaked 8-inch pie crust