The Midwest Apple Improvement Association is an organization founded by growers with the goal of producing quality apple varieties. Unlike other managed varieties which are not open to all growers, MAIA varieties are open to any commercial grower willing to become a MAIA member (currently only $100 per year).
So far Evercrisp® and possibly Ludacrisp® are the two varieties that have s
own potential for large commercial pack out sales. Both varieties are also highly popular in direct marketing settings such as farm stands and markets. Several of the other MAIA varieties may also be ideal for your farm stand or u-pick.
MAIA 1 – Evercrisp®
Evercrisp an excellent eating apple with a big crunch, sweet-tart flavor, and astounding keeping ability. This has been the most successful release from the MAIA. The EverCrisp® apple tree was released in 2012 and is a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp. According to MAIA, the fruit does not easily get overripe and rarely drops, though it may be slightly susceptible to watercore. Fruit have consistently had 16+ brix at harvest.
Young trees tend to produce fruit with a green or muddy background color, but as trees mature in years four and five the fruit becomes much redder (looking similar red fuji strains). The harvest timing tends to be with or shortly after late fujis. Most growers seem to experience moderate to low vigor with Evercrisp trees. Click here for more information on Evercrisp®.
MAIA L – Ludacrisp®
A new introduction from the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, Ludacrisp® originated as an open-pollinated Honeycrisp that harvests three weeks after Golden Delicious. The variety has a sweet/tart tropical fruit flavor. The fruit is large, crispy, and scarlet in color. Early reports are that tree vigor is high. Click here for more information on Ludacrisp®.
Visit the MAIA page for details on other varieties.
If you’re interested in ordering any of the MAIA varieties, contact us or order online.
