In 1991, Honeycrisp (Malus pumila), an apple cultivar (cultivated variety) developed at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station’s Horticultural Research Center at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities was unveiled. In 1974, the apple was designated with the MN 1711 test designation, and patented in 1988.

Pepin Heights Orchards delivered the first Honeycrisp apples to grocery stores in 1997. The name Honeycrisp was trademarked by the University of Minnesota.