The Rise of Modern Apple Varieties
The landscape of the produce aisle has been transformed over the last few decades, thanks to intensive apple breeding programs at universities and private orchards. For years, the Honeycrisp set the standard for a firm, juicy, and flavorful apple, and breeders have sought to replicate and improve upon its success. The result is a new generation of varieties, many of which are exclusive or patented to ensure quality and control market distribution.
Cosmic Crisp: The 'Apple of Big Dreams'
The Cosmic Crisp is one of the most prominent new apples on the market, the result of a 20-year breeding program at Washington State University. A cross between the Enterprise and Honeycrisp, it was bred specifically for its large size, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and explosive crispness.
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a firm texture.
- Appearance: A vibrant, dark red skin with tiny, distinctive white dots, or 'lenticels,' that reminded researchers of the night sky.
- Unique Feature: Its flesh is naturally slow to brown, making it a perfect choice for salads, cheese boards, and lunchboxes.
SnapDragon and RubyFrost: New York's Honeycrisp Offspring
Developed at Cornell University's apple breeding program in New York, the SnapDragon and RubyFrost were created as two distinct new apples for growers. Both trace their lineage to the popular Honeycrisp, but they serve different purposes for consumers.
- SnapDragon: Known for its "monster crunch," this apple offers a spicy-sweet flavor with hints of vanilla. It's a cross with Honeycrisp and is prized for fresh eating.
- RubyFrost: This variety is known for its definitive crisp texture and a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors that intensify in cold storage. Released in the winter, it is highly versatile for baking and snacking and is naturally high in Vitamin C.
Other Notable Newcomers
Beyond the most heavily marketed new apples, several other varieties have entered the market, each with unique characteristics.
- EverCrisp: A hybrid of the Honeycrisp and Fuji, the EverCrisp maintains its exceptionally crisp texture for months in storage, offering a sweet and juicy flavor.
- SweeTango: Another Honeycrisp cross, the SweeTango has a loud, juicy crunch with notes of spice and brown sugar.
- Kissabel: This is a novelty apple known for its distinctive red or pink flesh, which offers a sweet, berry-like flavor. It is cultivated mainly in Europe but is gaining popularity elsewhere.
Comparative Table of New Apple Varieties
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Use | Parentage | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmic Crisp | Sweet-tart balance | Very Crisp, firm | Snacking, baking, salads | Honeycrisp x Enterprise | Washington State |
| SnapDragon | Spicy-sweet, hints of vanilla | "Monster crunch" | Snacking | Honeycrisp x Unknown | New York |
| RubyFrost | Sweet-tart balance, rich flavor | Hearty crunch, crisp | Snacking, baking, winter fruit | Braeburn x Autumn Crisp | New York |
| EverCrisp | Sweet, juicy | Exceptionally crisp | Snacking, long-term storage | Honeycrisp x Fuji | Midwest |
| SweeTango | Tangy-sweet, hints of honey | Loud, juicy crunch | Snacking | Honeycrisp x Zestar! | Midwest |
The Future of Apple Breeding
As consumers continue to seek new culinary experiences, the development of new apple varieties is an ongoing and rigorous process. Breeders focus on creating apples with improved disease resistance, better storage capabilities, and novel flavor and texture combinations. This innovation ensures that the apple remains a staple fruit with an exciting and ever-changing array of options for both consumers and growers.
How New Apples Reach the Market
The journey of a new apple variety from a tiny seed to the supermarket shelf is a lengthy process, often taking over two decades. It begins with cross-pollinating different apple varieties to combine desirable traits, followed by years of evaluation, tasting, and testing new cultivars. Promising varieties are then licensed to growers, with some programs, like the Cosmic Crisp's, starting exclusively within a specific state before expanding. This managed approach helps ensure the variety meets quality standards before it is widely released. The naming process often involves consumer feedback, as seen with the Cosmic Crisp, which was named for its eye-catching, cosmos-like lenticels.
Conclusion: A Constantly Evolving Orchard
The question of what are the new apples called reveals a dynamic and innovative agricultural industry. These recent arrivals, such as the Cosmic Crisp, RubyFrost, and SnapDragon, are the result of decades of research and development, designed to offer superior flavor, texture, and other unique characteristics. As research continues, consumers can expect to see even more new varieties in the future, each with its own story and culinary purpose. The modern apple market is an ever-evolving orchard, continuously cultivated to bring new and exciting options to our tables.
Food & Wine has a great article about the newest apple varieties to look out for each fall, providing excellent insights into what's currently trending in the apple world.
