Named in 1974 as the MN 1711 , and released in 1991 , the Honeycrisp has rapidly become a prized commercial commodity , as its sweetness , firmness , and tartness make it a good apple for eating raw . Designated in 1974 as the MN 1711 , and released in 1991 , the Honeycrisp , once slated to be discarded , has rapidly become a prized commercial commodity , as its sweetness , firmness , and tartness make it an ideal apple for eating raw .