How a Star Was Born
Working closely with Mother Nature to classically breed the perfect apple takes time – 20 years to be precise!
In the early 1990s, Dr. Bruce Barritt, a horticulturist at Washington State University, believed the ideal apple hadn’t yet been invented. He started dreaming of a new apple – one that would surpass all others with its combination of superior taste, texture and usability.
Through classical breeding, Bruce and his team naturally cross-pollinated an Enterprise apple, known for its bold red colour and easy growing characteristics, with a Honeycrisp, a crunchy and juicy apple.
Two decades later, their research, tasting and testing resulted in The One. This vibrant red apple with its distinctive cosmos-like pattern, crisp texture and delicious flavour was named by consumers, and the Cosmic Crisp® apple was born.
Fast becoming one of the most popular apples in the US, the Cosmic Crisp® apple is now grown right around the world, including right here in Australia.
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.
How the Cosmic Crisp® Was Named
Naming this apple was a team effort involving meetings with both growers, consumer focus groups, and apple enthusiasts like you! So, why “Cosmic Crisp”? The “Cosmic” part came from the striking marks on the apple’s surface, known as ‘lenticels’ – they reminded tasters of the cosmos and outer space. And “Crisp”? That’s a nod to its parent, ‘Honeycrisp,’ and the apple’s super crisp and crunchy texture.
Where Are Cosmic Crisp® Apples Grown in Australia?
We’ve hand-picked (pardon the pun!) some of Australia’s best growers in key apple growing regions to ensure exceptional quality and a consistent eating experience every time.
