History

It took over 20 years to develop the Cosmic Crisp® apple. After all, it takes time to work hand in hand with Mother Nature to classically breed the right varieties until you find The One. 

Bruce Barritt, horticulturist and developer of the Cosmic Crisp® apple, set out on a mission to fill a produce void for a firm, crisp, and juicy apple. After decades of cross-pollinating, tasting, and testing, along with research and development with Washington State University’s world-class tree fruit breeding program, the Cosmic Crisp® apple was discovered. Thanks to the care and attention of choosing the perfect cross of Honeycrisp and Enterprise varieties, the apple is non-GMO and naturally slow to brown.

WSU researchers, including pome fruit breeder Kate Evans are proud to have introduced The Apple of Big Dreams™ to the market that is exclusive to Washington State. The Cosmic Crisp® apple has earned high marks from consumers and chefs for its perfectly balanced flavor, crisp texture, juiciness and striking color. From snacking and baking to drinks and decor, the Cosmic Crisp® apple brings star power to all the ways we enjoy apples.

The Cosmic Crisp® apple demonstrates how the science of breeding and the art of imagination can work together to create an utterly new and delightful apple.

Classical Breeding Video

How the Cosmic Crisp® Apple Got Its Name

Naming this Washington apple involved several meetings with consumer focus groups around the state with sessions in Pullman, Yakima and Seattle. The “Cosmic” factor of the name was developed because of the “striking” lenticels on the apple surface; they reminded the tasters of outer space and the cosmos. “Crisp” also links to its parent, ‘Honeycrisp’. One of the outstanding attributes of the apple is its crisp texture.

Where Do Cosmic Crisp® Apple Trees Grow?

Explore the five main apple growing regions of Washington State.