Premier Red Honeycrisp (DAS-10 cultivar)

Premier Red Honeycrisp (DAS-10 cultivar) is a naturally occurring, whole-tree sport mutation discovered by the Slaybaugh family in 2010 in Pennsylvania, USA. This unique variety preserves the iconic, large-celled, explosively crisp texture of the original Honeycrisp, but stands out by ripening a full three weeks earlier in late August. Because it matures during the peak warmth of late summer, the tree rapidly respires its natural malic acid while sugars stack up. This lack of competing acidity shifts the flavor profile from a classic sweet-tart snap to a pure, smooth, honeyed sweetness. Visually, it outperforms its parent by consistently developing a much higher percentage of uniform, vibrant red skin blush rather than a patchy, greenish-yellow background. Officially introduced by Adams County Nursery as a distinct maturity mutation rather than just a red strain, it provides growers an excellent early-season market window.