MINNEAPOLIS — University of Minnesota researchers have high hopes for a new apple they say shares some qualities with their popular Honeycrisp variety.

The new fruit is a cross between the Honeycrisp and the MonArk, according to apple researcher Jim Luby, director of the university’s fruit crops breeding project. The Honeycrisp is known for its texture and flavor, while the MonArk is known for its early ripening date.

The goal of the new apple, dubbed MN55 for now, is to bring a crisper variety to market earlier.

The research team began working on the apple in the late 1990s. The apple researchers, including Luby, wanted to address the lack of apples similar to the Honeycrisp.

“We recognized that (the Honeycrisp) was a really good eating apple,” Luby said. “Our thought was, ‘Can we get some of those good qualities of Honeycrisp into an apple that ripens even earlier in the season?”’

Now the U of M is beginning to enter the early marketing stage with the hope of growing and distributing it on a wider scale.

Apple orchards are already able to grow and sell MN55, Luby said. The new apple is expected to hit grocery stores nationwide within the next few years, according to Roger Pepperl, marketing director of Stemilt Growers, based in Washington.

The high-quality apple will appeal to consumers more than other varieties during the offseason because of its juiciness and appearance, Pepperl said.

“You’re going to want to eat apples after eating this thing,” he said.

Before the apple hits the early-season market, the team needs to come up with a new name for MN55.

“You want to have something emotional that’s easy to spell and has a good ring to it,” Pepperl said. “That’s really the key.”