The University of New Hampshire (UNH) holds the distinction of being home to the largest continuous pumpkin and squash breeding program in North America, started in the 1940s. Thanks in large part to its explosively crisp and juicy texture, it has been credited with singlehandedly saving the apple industry in the northern Midwest as well as creating new apple fans. It has become the most widely planted apple tree in the nation, with apples often fetching prices two to three times higher than other varieties. Released by U of M apple breeders in 1991, the Honeycrisp now is the fifth most popular apple in the United States. Eighteen of those 27 varieties are still available today, including the famous Honeycrisp. Over a century of breeding has led to 27 varieties being released since the breeding and evaluation program began in 1878. Today, consumers and growers are reaping the benefits of advances in apple breeding at the University of Minnesota (U of M), which has one of only three university-based apple-breeding programs in the United States. Neither is known for its outstanding texture or flavor, and neither inspires much enthusiasm. In 1996, approximately two-thirds of the apples sold in the United States were Golden Delicious or Red Delicious.
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