The SugarBee® apple was created on a sunny spring day when an industrious bee carried pollen from an unknown variety and landed on a Honeycrisp tree and the SugarBee® apple was born. Grower Chuck Nystrom noticed the branch in his orchard as it produced a beautiful bi-colored apple that was crisp, sweet and juicy. The growers at Chelan Fresh agreed with Mr. Nystom and made the decision to grow the SugarBee® apple.
One of these growers is Harold Schell, who manages variety development to determine what new varieties will be friendly to grow, harvest, pack, and also have consumer appeal. Harold has been lovingly nick-named the “Manny”of SugarBee® apples, as he applies over 40 years of experience to nurture new varieties such as the SugarBee®.
Jeff LaPorte and his family are proud growers of SugarBee® and honeycrisp apples on their acreage. Jeff also works to advise many of our growers on best growing practices to produce high quality Chelan Fresh fruit.
Mark Stennes is a 4th generation grower and his family has farming roots that date back to the early 1900’s. The Stennes family is committed to create opportunities for future family members to become part of the family operation by growing a variety of apples, cherries and pears using both conventional and organic practices.
Tom Riggan was born into an agriculture family and followed his knowledge of apples, pears & cherries to working in sales and management. Tom rarely misses an opportunity to get out in the orchard and stay connected with the crops. He spends his remaining free time attending kids’ activities and long distance bike riding.
Jim Colbert brings 35 years of experience in Horticulture and pest management to his current position as Organic Program & Packaging manager at Chelan Fruit. His 3rd generation grower roots keep him passionate about spending time in his family orchard and when he can break away, he enjoys snow and waterskiing.
Dave Robison is a third generation farmer and has been farming since 1982. His home place is at 25 mile creek on Lake Chelan, but he also farms north of Chelan on Howard Flats. He and his wife have 120 acres in total. His favorite part of being a grower is interacting with people.
Many of our SugarBee® growers are part of 3rd and 4th generation families who are passionate about growing high quality apples, pears and cherries. They are committed to best agriculture and business practices so that their families can continue to farm for future generations.
These are the best apples I’ve ever ate. I gave them as Christmas gifts this year! I’m wishing now I had keep them because I can’t find them any more. Do you know where I can find anymore of these apples? I was buying them at Walmart but they don’t have any more, the’re even out of the Sugar Bee apple cider.
What is the growing season so I can look for them.
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in our SugarBee® apple. We think it is an amazing Sweet as Can Bee apple too! The SugarBee® apple is a new variety so the crop size is limited and only available for a short time this crop season. Each year the crop size will grow and continue to be available at more retail stores.
We have a FruitLocator.com and you may be able to find SugarBee® at other retail stores. What is your zip code?
The SugarBee® is known to keep well so next time you find them, buy extra and keep them in your refrigerator produce drawer!
And be sure to tell your local Produce Manager how much you like SugarBee®. They do listen and will be more likely to bring SugarBee® in again next year.
I’m not usually a fruit eater because I’m very fussy about the texture of the fruit and I end up throwing the fruit out if the first bite is mushy. I can tell you the SugarBee Apple is a pleasant surprise and I love the sweet and firm texture of this apple.
I hope my grocery store can keep them on the shelves I have a feeling these apples will be gone as soon as they hit the store once people taste them.
Keep on growing!!!
I can truly say that the sugar bee apple is and will be my favorite from now on.i have never in my life tasted such a crisp,sweet and juicy apple,it’s almost too good to be true.thank you so much
Best apples ever! I, too, hope for continued supplies so my husband and I have made a point of sharing them with friends and neighbors. The more purchases, the greater the chance that our produce managers will bring them back!
We so appreciate that, Susan! Thank you for your incredible support and for spreading the word! It does make a difference!
I was so ecstatic to find the sugar bee apple! It is by far the best apple ever grown, but the supply for the season was too small. Can’t wait till next fall to get my sugar bee apple fix . PLEASE grow more of them!?
I don’t buy any other Apple unless I have to. The best!!! Bless that little bee’s heart! I don’t suppose you ship to private residence?
Thank you for your kind words about our SugarBee® apple. And Yes, we sure love that bee for creating such a wonderful apple. We ship gift cartons on GoldBelly.com and SugarBee® is available in many stores for online pickup!
Where can we buy a SugarBee tree from?? You can currently purchase a Cosmic Crisp tree from select nurseries in Washington for home use. And we LOVE the SugarBee!
Blessings! :0)
Thank you for your interest in our SugarBee® apples! We love SugarBee® too! These apples can only be grown by the farmers who grow and sell their fruit to Chelan Fresh. These are currently not available for consumer purchase.
This is now my favorite apple. The price here in Canada is very high hopefully next year the price will be a bit lower as more are produced.
Thank you for your interest in our SugarBee apple! SugarBee is a new variety and each year will continue to grow in distribution and availability.
I am so sad?. Walmart told me just now they don’t carry Sugarbee’s anymore. What will I do.