SweeTango: Difference between revisions
→Notability: Removing section for decidedly not encyclopedic writing style. Included in Talk:SweeTango to preserve references, if someone wants to use info from them to improve the article. |
Rewrote lede. Includes references, lists generic name as well as brand, and provides some information on its development. Created History section, merged in some info from Breeding section. Changed SweeTango to Minneisko where not brand-specific. |
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[[File:SweeTangoInspection.jpg|thumb|SweeTango inspection of 2010 crop]] |
[[File:SweeTangoInspection.jpg|thumb|SweeTango inspection of 2010 crop]] |
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[[File:Sweetango-3.jpg|thumb|Orchard manager sampling a SweeTango brand apple]] |
[[File:Sweetango-3.jpg|thumb|Orchard manager sampling a SweeTango brand apple]] |
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'''Minneiska''' or '''SweeTango''' ([[brand name]]) apples are a [[cultivar]] (cultivated variety) of apple developed by the [[University of Minnesota]] first sold in the US in 2009.<ref name=brown2009/><ref name=prweb2013/> It is a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] of two other apples varieties the university developed: the popular [[Honeycrisp]] (the “mother”) and the early-ripening [[Zestar Apple|Minnewasheta]] (brand name Zestar!, the “father” or pollinator).<ref name=unm-sweetango/><ref name=seabrook2011/> The name SweeTango is a brand name of the Minneiska apple, and is a [[registered trademark]] owned by the University of Minnesota.<ref name=brown2009/><ref name=prweb2013/> Like the Honeycrisp, Minneiskas have much larger cells than most apples, which shatter when bitten to fill the mouth with juice.<ref name=seabrook2011/> |
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| ⚫ | It is a pinkish apple consisting of a yellow background that is intermittent with red coloration.<ref name="about">{{cite web|url=http://sweetango.com/about/ |title=About Sweetango |publisher=Sweetango.com |accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref> The surface of the apple has several distinguishing visual characteristics, with freckle-like white [[lenticel]]s. This variety is also prone to exhibit some net-like russeting in certain seasons. |
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==Taste== |
==Taste== |
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Minneiskas have a texture similar to Honeycrisp with a slightly tart and citric quality. The name SweeTango is a portmanteau of the words sweet and tangy. The news release slogan used upon announcement of the 2010 season crop was ''Let Your Taste Buds Dance!''<ref name="dance">{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Let-Your-Taste-Buds-Dance-New-SweeTango-Apples-Available-Nationally-1313607.htm |title=Let Your Taste Buds Dance: New SweeTango Apples Available Nationally |publisher=Marketwire.com |date=September 2, 2010 |accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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==Breeding== |
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[[University of Minnesota]] produced this variety of apple from their breeding program.<ref name="factsheet"/> They have given it the testing designation “MN 1914”. Their 80 acre Horticultural Research Center near [[Victoria, Minnesota]], produced the Minneiska variety apple from [[Honeycrisp]] and Zestar apple varieties, which they also specially bred. Other apple varieties they have developed in their facility are Fireside, Haralson, and Honeygold. The Minneiska variety is a hybrid between the [[Honeycrisp]] (mother) apple and the [[Zestar Apple|Zestar apple]] (pollinator, "father").<ref name="about"/> The "Zestar" is the apple cultivar ''Minnewashta'' and is the "father" of the SweeTango.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apples.umn.edu/sweetango/index.html |title=SweeTango Apple |publisher=Apples.umn.edu |date=March 29, 2011 |accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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==Availability== |
==Availability== |
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Minneiska apples is harvested in late August and early September.<ref name="about"/> They became available for purchase in limited quantities at select retailers across the United States and Canada in September 2009.<ref name="factsheet"/> They are also available to purchase at certain online apple stores.<ref name="about"/> Minneiska is one of 24 apple varieties created by University of Minnesota's scientists in Minnesota. |
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| ⚫ | A list of sellers from California to Michigan of this new variety of apple is available at the following website: Eat Like No One Else.<ref>{{cite web|author=by admin |url=http://www.eatlikenoone.com/where-to-find-sweetango-apples-in-2010.htm |title=Where to Find SweeTango Apples in 2010 |publisher=Eatlikenoone.com |accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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In 2000, the new variety, known during development by the identifier MN 1914, was created by the University of Minnesota's breeding program at their Horticultural Research Center's {{convert|80|acre|adj=on}} farm near [[Victoria, Minnesota]].<ref name=hubbuch2010>{{cite news | last=Hubbuch | first=Chris | title=A new apple, the SweeTango, at center of controversy | date=30 August 2010 | work=Twincities.com – Pioneer Press | publisher=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | url=http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_15939180 | accessdate=19 January 2014}}</ref><ref name=harler2011/><ref name=reuters2011>{{cite press release | title=SweeTango(R) apple crop triples in 2011 | date=12 August 2011 | work=Reuters | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/12/idUS171823+12-Aug-2011+MW20110812 | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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In 2005, the University sold the exclusive marketing rights to the new variety to Pepin Heights Orchards of [[Lake City, Minnesota]].<ref name=harler2011/> |
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In 2006, Pepin Heights Orchards formed a cooperative of 45 growers named Next Big Thing, appointed Peppin Heights Orchards owner Dennis Courtier as its chairman, and sublicensed the use of the Meneisko variety to the co-op.<ref name=karst2011/><ref name=grayson2007/> |
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In 2007, the Regents of the University of Minnesota trademarked the word SweeTango, and the first commercial Minneiska apple trees were planted.<ref name=harler2011/><ref name=trademarkia/> By January 2007, Next Big Thing had sold memberships worth $380,000, had 30 investors, and was seeking to raise an additional $630,000.<ref name=grayson2007/> |
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In 2008, the variety was patented by the university, the same year that their US patent on the Honeycrisp expired.<ref name=brown2009/><ref name=olson2007/> US plant patents are granted for 20 years from the date of application, and exclude others from asexually producing a plant, using the plant, or selling the plant except as authorized by the patent holder.<ref name=karst2011/><ref name="Bouchoux2008"/> |
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In 2009, a limited number of apples were sold in stores.<ref name=prweb2013/> |
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By 2013, the variety was available at stores across the United States and eastern Canada.<ref name=prweb2013/> |
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| ⚫ | A list of sellers from California to Michigan of this new variety of apple is available at the following |
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==Exclusive control== |
==Exclusive control== |
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The University of Minnesota awarded exclusive marketing rights to grow, have others grow, and sell the Minneiska apple variety and any mutations to Minnesota's largest apple orchard, Pepin Heights Orchards.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/> |
The University of Minnesota awarded exclusive marketing rights to grow, have others grow, and sell the Minneiska apple variety and any mutations to Minnesota's largest apple orchard, Pepin Heights Orchards.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/> |
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Pepin Heights established a 45-member grower's cooperative (47 as of 2011) named Next Big Thing.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/> The apple could not be grown by non-members, and members, who pay royalties on producing trees, can sell the apple only through the cooperative.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=seabrook2011/> The practice, called “managed release”, has attracted criticism due to its development through a public research institution.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/><ref name=seabrook2011/> A lawsuit challenging the legality of the University of Minnesota selling exclusive rights to the variety was decided in a 2012 ruling that the agreement was legal, and that “Minnesota’s antitrust and monopoly laws do not apply to its land-grant university”.<ref name=fgn-b/> However, other legal claims were settled between the parties, with the |
Pepin Heights established a 45-member grower's cooperative (47 as of 2011) named Next Big Thing.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/> The apple could not be grown by non-members, and members, who pay royalties on producing trees, can sell the apple only through the cooperative.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=seabrook2011/> The practice, called “managed release”, has attracted criticism due to its development through a public research institution.<ref name=parker2011/><ref name=fgn-a/><ref name=seabrook2011/> A lawsuit challenging the legality of the University of Minnesota selling exclusive rights to the variety was decided in a 2012 ruling that the agreement was legal, and that “Minnesota’s antitrust and monopoly laws do not apply to its land-grant university”.<ref name=fgn-b/> However, other legal claims were settled between the parties, with the [[plaintiff]]s paying $25,000 in legal fees to Pepin Heights Orchards, and an allowance was made for smaller growers to grow up to 2,000 Minneiska trees, limited to 100,000 per state, as long as the apples are sold only in direct-market channels, and not pooled for wholesale market.<ref name=fgn-b/> The numbers are to be increased to 3,000 trees per orchard, and 150,000 per state, in 2017.<ref name=fgn-b/> |
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==Trademark and Patent== |
==Trademark and Patent== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist|2| refs= |
{{Reflist | 2 | refs= |
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<ref name=parker2011>{{cite news | title=Better than Honeycrisp? SweeTango apples hit Michigan Meijer and Wal-Mart stores this week | date=13 September 2011 | last=Parker | first=Rosemary | url=http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/better_than_honeycrisp_sweetan.html | accessdate=January 18, 2012 | work=MLive | publisher=MLive Media Group }}</ref> |
<ref name=parker2011>{{cite news | title=Better than Honeycrisp? SweeTango apples hit Michigan Meijer and Wal-Mart stores this week | date=13 September 2011 | last=Parker | first=Rosemary | url=http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/better_than_honeycrisp_sweetan.html | accessdate=January 18, 2012 | work=MLive | publisher=MLive Media Group }}</ref> |
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<ref name=fgn-b>{{cite news | title=Litigants settle SweeTango dispute | date=November 2011 | url=http://fruitgrowersnews.com/index.php/magazine/article/litigants-settle-sweetango-dispute | work=Fruit Growers News | publisher=Great American Media Services | accessdate=18 January 2014 }}</ref> |
<ref name=fgn-b>{{cite news | title=Litigants settle SweeTango dispute | date=November 2011 | url=http://fruitgrowersnews.com/index.php/magazine/article/litigants-settle-sweetango-dispute | work=Fruit Growers News | publisher=Great American Media Services | accessdate=18 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=olson2007>{{cite news | title=Honeycrisp apple losing its patent protection, but not its appeal | last=Olson | first=Dan | date=21 October 2007 | location=Minneapolis, MN | accessdate=18 January 2014 | work=MPR News | url=http://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/11/honeycrisp | publisher=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] }}</ref> |
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<ref name=brown2009>{{cite news | last1=Brown | first1=SK| first2=KE | last2=Maloney | title=Making sense of new apple varieties, trademarks and clubs: current status | work=New York Fruit Quarterly | location=New York |volume=17 | issue=3 | year=2009 | pages=9–12 | url=http://www.nyshs.org/pdf/fq/09fall/NYFQ-FALL-09-pp-9-12.pdf | format=PDF | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=unm-sweetango>{{cite web | title=SweeTango | work=University of Minnesota Apples | publisher=[[University of Minnesota]] | url=http://www.apples.umn.edu/SweeTango/ | accessdate=18 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=prweb2013>{{cite press release | title=SweeTango apples from Next Big Thing hit stores nationwide | work=PR Web | date=17 September 2013 | url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11133579.htm | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=harler2011>{{cite news | last=Harler | first=Curt | title=Lawsuit over apple marketing agreement | work=Growing Magazine | date=February 2012 | publisher=Moose River Media LLC | url=http://www.growingmagazine.com/print-6483.aspx | accessdate=19 January 2014}}</ref> |
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<ref name=trademarkia>{{cite web | title=SweeTango – reviews & brand information | work=LegalForce Trademarkia | publisher=Trademarkia, Inc. | url=http://www.trademarkia.com/sweetango-77262481.html | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=karst2011>{{cite news | last=Karst | first=Tom | title=SweeTango deal intact after settlement | date=20 September 2011 | work=The Packer | publisher=Vance Publishing Corporation | url=http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/SweeTango-deal-intact-after-settlement-130226293.html | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Bouchoux2008">{{cite book|last=Bouchoux|first=Deborah|title=Patent Law for Paralegals|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=47yNKfqzOr0C&pg=PA77|date=21 April 2008|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=1-4180-4801-1|page=77}}</ref> |
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<ref name=grayson2007>{{cite news | last=Grayson | first=Katharine | title=Co–op seeks $600K to seed apple | work=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal | publisher=American City Business Journals | date=7 January 2007 | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2007/01/08/newscolumn1.html?page=all | accessdate=19 January 2014 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="factsheet">{{cite web | url=http://sweetango.com/media/fact-sheet/ | title=Sweetango Fact Sheet | publisher=Sweetango.com | accessdate=18 January 2012}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvcebMxS0QA Pepin Heights Orchard] YouTube interview and facility tour with Dennis Courtier, owner of Pepin Heights Orchards and chairman of the Meneisko grower's cooperative Next Big Thing. |
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*Bedford, David S., [http://www.google.com/patents?id=ZeapAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4#v=onepage&q&f=false United States Plant Patent, Patent No.: US PP18,812 P3 (45)] |
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*Seabrook, John, [http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/21/111121fa_fact_seabrook Annals of Agriculture, “Crunch,” The New Yorker, November 21, 2011, p. 54] |
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{{Apples}} |
{{Apples}} |
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Revision as of 00:13, 20 January 2014
 logo | |
| Hybrid parentage | Honeycrisp and Zestar Apple |
|---|---|
| Cultivar | Minneiska |
| Origin | University of Minnesota, United States, 2008 |
Rennhack Orchards at Hart, Michigan
Minneiska or SweeTango (brand name) apples are a cultivar (cultivated variety) of apple developed by the University of Minnesota first sold in the US in 2009.[1][2] It is a hybrid of two other apples varieties the university developed: the popular Honeycrisp (the “mother”) and the early-ripening Minnewasheta (brand name Zestar!, the “father” or pollinator).[3][4] The name SweeTango is a brand name of the Minneiska apple, and is a registered trademark owned by the University of Minnesota.[1][2] Like the Honeycrisp, Minneiskas have much larger cells than most apples, which shatter when bitten to fill the mouth with juice.[4]
It is a pinkish apple consisting of a yellow background that is intermittent with red coloration.[5] The surface of the apple has several distinguishing visual characteristics, with freckle-like white lenticels. This variety is also prone to exhibit some net-like russeting in certain seasons.
Taste
Minneiskas have a texture similar to Honeycrisp with a slightly tart and citric quality. The name SweeTango is a portmanteau of the words sweet and tangy. The news release slogan used upon announcement of the 2010 season crop was Let Your Taste Buds Dance![6]
Availability
Minneiska apples is harvested in late August and early September.[5] They became available for purchase in limited quantities at select retailers across the United States and Canada in September 2009.[7] They are also available to purchase at certain online apple stores.[5] Minneiska is one of 24 apple varieties created by University of Minnesota's scientists in Minnesota.
A list of sellers from California to Michigan of this new variety of apple is available at the following website: Eat Like No One Else.[8]
History
In 2000, the new variety, known during development by the identifier MN 1914, was created by the University of Minnesota's breeding program at their Horticultural Research Center's 80-acre (32 ha) farm near Victoria, Minnesota.[9][10][11]
In 2005, the University sold the exclusive marketing rights to the new variety to Pepin Heights Orchards of Lake City, Minnesota.[10]
In 2006, Pepin Heights Orchards formed a cooperative of 45 growers named Next Big Thing, appointed Peppin Heights Orchards owner Dennis Courtier as its chairman, and sublicensed the use of the Meneisko variety to the co-op.[12][13]
In 2007, the Regents of the University of Minnesota trademarked the word SweeTango, and the first commercial Minneiska apple trees were planted.[10][14] By January 2007, Next Big Thing had sold memberships worth $380,000, had 30 investors, and was seeking to raise an additional $630,000.[13]
In 2008, the variety was patented by the university, the same year that their US patent on the Honeycrisp expired.[1][15] US plant patents are granted for 20 years from the date of application, and exclude others from asexually producing a plant, using the plant, or selling the plant except as authorized by the patent holder.[12][16]
In 2009, a limited number of apples were sold in stores.[2]
By 2013, the variety was available at stores across the United States and eastern Canada.[2]
Exclusive control
The University of Minnesota awarded exclusive marketing rights to grow, have others grow, and sell the Minneiska apple variety and any mutations to Minnesota's largest apple orchard, Pepin Heights Orchards.[17][18]
Pepin Heights established a 45-member grower's cooperative (47 as of 2011) named Next Big Thing.[17][18] The apple could not be grown by non-members, and members, who pay royalties on producing trees, can sell the apple only through the cooperative.[17][4] The practice, called “managed release”, has attracted criticism due to its development through a public research institution.[17][18][4] A lawsuit challenging the legality of the University of Minnesota selling exclusive rights to the variety was decided in a 2012 ruling that the agreement was legal, and that “Minnesota’s antitrust and monopoly laws do not apply to its land-grant university”.[19] However, other legal claims were settled between the parties, with the plaintiffs paying $25,000 in legal fees to Pepin Heights Orchards, and an allowance was made for smaller growers to grow up to 2,000 Minneiska trees, limited to 100,000 per state, as long as the apples are sold only in direct-market channels, and not pooled for wholesale market.[19] The numbers are to be increased to 3,000 trees per orchard, and 150,000 per state, in 2017.[19]
Trademark and Patent
The trademark called "SweeTango" belongs to the University of Minnesota for its apple fruit of the "Minneiska" cultivar.[5][20][21]
Patent No.: US PP18,812 P3 says it was obtained on May 13, 2008 by inventors David S. Bedford and James J. Luby. The varietal denomination "Minneiska" has a Latin name of Malus domestica and its patent says in part
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was first accomplished by means of budding and grafting by the inventors in Excelsior, Minnesota.[22]
The Patent for this apple cultivar goes on to say it is distinct
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of apple tree...[22]
It further says of the new apple variety
'Minneiska' was selected for its unique combination of fruit traits. Of particular importance is its early ripening season, its very crisp and juicy texture, and its unusually long storage life for an early ripening variety.
The main feature distinguishing 'Minneiska' from other early ripening varieties known to the inventor is the longer time that its fruit can be stored with little change in texture or flavor.
'Minneiska' fruit have a storage life of 3 to 4 months in refrigeration compared to one or two months for other common commercial early season varieties we have observed including 'State Fair' (not patented), 'Arends' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,800), and 'Minnewashta'.[22]
The Patent compares this new apple style to the state fruit of Minnesota, the Honeycrisp apple
'Minneiska' has an early ripening season with fruit ripening occurring approximately the first week of September in Excelsior, Minnesota. Ripening time is slightly after 'Minnewashta', and approximately two to three weeks before 'Honeycrisp'[22]
The Patent further shows that the new apple variety has characteristics superior to the Honeycrisp apple (its "mother")
'Minneiska' is readily distinguished from its parent 'Honeycrisp' in that the fruit of 'Minneiska' ripen approximately two to three weeks earlier.[22]
Gallery
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Sweetango apples on young Minneiska trees -
SweeTango apples harvested in 2010 -
SweeTango apples
ripened on the tree -
SweeTango apples
close-up on the tree -
Stemilt Orchards at Wenatchee, Washington -
SweeTango packaging line close-up of SweeTangos -
SweeTango apples packaging line -
Sweetango packaging lines -
Readied boxes waiting to be filled with SweeTangos -
SweeTango apples packaged for shipping
References
- ^ a b c Brown, SK; Maloney, KE (2009). "Making sense of new apple varieties, trademarks and clubs: current status" (PDF). New York Fruit Quarterly. Vol. 17, no. 3. New York. pp. 9–12. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "SweeTango apples from Next Big Thing hit stores nationwide". PR Web (Press release). September 17, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ "SweeTango". University of Minnesota Apples. University of Minnesota. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ a b c d Seabrook, John (November 21, 2011). "Crunch: Building a better apple". The New Yorker.
- ^ a b c d "About Sweetango". Sweetango.com. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ "Let Your Taste Buds Dance: New SweeTango Apples Available Nationally". Marketwire.com. September 2, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ "Sweetango Fact Sheet". Sweetango.com. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ by admin. "Where to Find SweeTango Apples in 2010". Eatlikenoone.com. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ Hubbuch, Chris (August 30, 2010). "A new apple, the SweeTango, at center of controversy". Twincities.com – Pioneer Press. St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c Harler, Curt (February 2012). "Lawsuit over apple marketing agreement". Growing Magazine. Moose River Media LLC. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ "SweeTango(R) apple crop triples in 2011". Reuters (Press release). August 12, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ a b Karst, Tom (September 20, 2011). "SweeTango deal intact after settlement". The Packer. Vance Publishing Corporation. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ a b Grayson, Katharine (January 7, 2007). "Co–op seeks $600K to seed apple". Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ "SweeTango – reviews & brand information". LegalForce Trademarkia. Trademarkia, Inc. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ Olson, Dan (October 21, 2007). "Honeycrisp apple losing its patent protection, but not its appeal". MPR News. Minneapolis, MN: Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ Bouchoux, Deborah (April 21, 2008). Patent Law for Paralegals. Cengage Learning. p. 77. ISBN 1-4180-4801-1.
- ^ a b c d Parker, Rosemary (September 13, 2011). "Better than Honeycrisp? SweeTango apples hit Michigan Meijer and Wal-Mart stores this week". MLive. MLive Media Group. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Next Big Thing is new co-op for marketing MN1914 apple". Fruit Growers News. Great American Media Services. October 2006. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Litigants settle SweeTango dispute". Fruit Growers News. Great American Media Services. November 2011. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ "Minnesota Arboretum". Arboretum.umn.edu. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ "Minnesota Hardy, p. 26" (PDF). Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Apple Tree Named 'Minneiska'". Google. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
External links
- Pepin Heights Orchard YouTube interview and facility tour with Dennis Courtier, owner of Pepin Heights Orchards and chairman of the Meneisko grower's cooperative Next Big Thing.
