Americans came up with a new variety of apple that can sit for a whole year and remain fresh. The “Cosmic crisp” apple variety took more than 20 years to develop, and it can last the consumers for a year if kept inside a fridge. The special fruit went on sale last week in USA.
The Cosmic Crisp was developed at the Washington State University in 1997, and the launch of this hardy, fresh, and juicy apple has cost more than $10 million. It is only available in the States as of yet, but it will come to worldwide markets starting next year.
The researchers made this variety possible by crossbreeding two other varieties. The goal was to make a sweeter, crispier, and juicier fruit that can last a year if taken care of properly. Today in Washington, there are more than 12 million Cosmic Crisp apple trees. The orchard spread on more than 12,000 hectares, and the growers are estimated to earn more than $30 million.
The breed was first known as WA38, before the more entertaining name of Cosmic Crisp came to be, inspired by the tiny white speckles all over the red peel. It truly resembles night sky.
Apples are the second most sold fruits in the USA, right behind bananas. Some of the other popular varieties include Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, and Royal Gala.
Nina Smith