Sweet Tango ripens earlier than a Honeycrisp - that's actually why they were developed. Its a Hybrid of a Honeycrisp and a Zestar (which is an earlier season apple).
Around here, the Sweet Tango didn't push the Honeycrisp out of the spotlight - just provided another good early season apple for orchards. They ripen about 3 weeks earlier than Honeycrisps. They also store better than other early season apples - but for me, there are so many good late season apples why bother?
The good news is the licensing on the Sweet Tango is much more strict - meaning that the variation you now see in Honeycrisps should not be as much of an issue with this variety.
Around here, the Sweet Tango didn't push the Honeycrisp out of the spotlight - just provided another good early season apple for orchards. They ripen about 3 weeks earlier than Honeycrisps. They also store better than other early season apples - but for me, there are so many good late season apples why bother?
The good news is the licensing on the Sweet Tango is much more strict - meaning that the variation you now see in Honeycrisps should not be as much of an issue with this variety.