The Almata apple is a winter-hardy cultivar developed at the University of Minnesota and now available to American growers, thriving in zones 4 through 9. This 14 to 22-foot tree produces fruit ripening in October with striking pink flesh and a flavor that balances tartness with sweetness. Red foliage and bright pink spring blossoms make it as ornamental as it is productive, while its crisp texture and unique color make it exceptional for processing into applesauce and jelly.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
264in H x ?in W
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High
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Almata apples ripen in October with distinctly pink flesh that creates a stunning rose-colored applesauce and jelly, making them prized for gift-giving. The tree itself is a dual-purpose beauty: red leaves and pink spring blossoms turn it into an edible ornamental that earns garden space even before harvest arrives. Its Minnesota breeding program heritage ensures serious winter hardiness for northern gardeners tired of losing trees in harsh climates.
Almata apples shine in the kitchen as a processing apple, transformed into distinctive pinkish-red applesauce and jelly that stand out from conventional varieties. The pink flesh color makes it particularly valued for preserves and other value-added products, where the unique hue becomes a selling point and gift item. Fresh eating is less common than cooking, though the crisp texture and balanced flavor support occasional fresh use.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Almata apples ripen in October. Harvest when the fruit reaches mature size and color development is complete. The crisp texture and pink flesh become visible at harvest time, indicating readiness. Pick fruit carefully to avoid bruising, especially important if processing into applesauce or jelly where flaws matter less aesthetically but texture does.
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“The Almata apple emerged from the University of Minnesota's breeding program, developed specifically to expand the range of apples that could survive and produce in the coldest American climates. The university made this cultivar available to home growers across the United States, broadening access to a hardy, ornamental variety that combines productivity with landscape beauty. Its story reflects decades of work to create cold-tolerant fruit varieties for regions where conventional apples struggle.”