How The Cosmic Crisp Is Taking On America’s Favorite Apples

The Cosmic Crisp apple hit produce aisles across America on December 1, 2019. The variety came out of Washington State University's breeding program, which has been developing the apple for the past 20 years.

There are thousands of different kinds of apples on the market, and 2,500 of those are grown in the United States, like the Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and America's favorite, the Gala, which just beat out the Red Delicious variety for the first time ever in production, according to the U.S. Apple Association. And yet, scientists are still developing new varieties.

But it's not just breeding programs making hybrids of the fruits and vegetables nearly everyone is familiar with.There's also scientists across the globe working on creating new varieties, whether it be apples or berries, mushrooms, or even crops like rice and wheat. This innovation isn't just the controversial GMO kind. In fact, crops have been cross bred to produce new varieties for hundreds of years.

Here’s how how horticulturists and scientists create new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and why there's space in the produce aisle for innovation.

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Why Do Scientists Create New Apples?

[leannetrevino]

Had my first one 2 days ago. Just went to the store to get more. Hands down the best apple I've ever had. I've had over 50 different varieties. This is my new favorite. Worth the price... $2.69 a lb in the Midwest

[tonkonton]

I'm still waiting for genetically engineered bananas with high protein.

[sassydee]

tried the cosmic crisp and it was tart on the first bite, then it had a sweet after taste. Very crunchy, juicy and crisp!

[Jebusankel]

Scientists just want to make "How you like dem apples?" jokes.

[keyroncampbell]

I got my Apple trees in my backyard... Hopefully they produce fruit this year.... That's why you need 2 Apple trees side by side for them to produce.

[Riomojo]

Why buy Honey Crisp when you can buy Honey CRISPR?

[JessieI]

This is a VERY tasty apple. I sent my SO out to buy some in December 2019 as soon as I heard about them. And they are right about how long they last. I had one left in my fruit bowl for over three months, then I cut it in half and used it in a couple salads. The other half was in the fridge for a few weeks, it began to show a tiny bit of brown towards then end of April so I cut it up for a few salads. It was delicious and juicy and tart-sweet to the end of its life at the end of April. I can’t wait to get some more!!!

[skycaptain]

It's simply the best apple I've ever tried. It made my day.

[prodima]

I just tried it and I honestly can’t believe how crispy it is it’s mind blowing

[flatdanii_]

As a produce clerk, this video makes me have flashbacks.

[emptyhanded]

I just tried my first Cosmic Crisp apple today. It’s by far the best apple I’ve ever tasted. Tasted like a pear, with the texture of an ultra crispy apple, and so juicy!

[miamivicefanatic]

The Cosmic Crisp made me forget about the Honeycrisp. I never thought any apple would be better than the Honeycrisp, but the CC is far superior in my eyes (and mouth).

[teabagger]

Who else is eating a Cosmic Crisp while watching this? 😮

[CookiesandCream]

Fuji Apple forever and always! The sweetest apple I've ever tasted! September here we come!

[fearlessreview]

Honey crisp are the best I’ve had, but they’re like 2X the price

[Aceofk]

I've been following the cosmic crisp for years and they finally got them at my local store

[pjschmid]

The real question I have is who is still eating red delicious apples 😝. The most tasteless apple in the market? I just tried the Cosmic Crisp this week and was impressed with it, especially for a large late season apple. It’s hard to find a good apple this large this late in the season and the price was much better than the Honeycrisps.

[lm]

crispy, thirstquenching, slight sweetness. perfection

[hoosierdaddy]

Homer Simpson cross bred Tomato`s and Tobacco to make Tomacco`s. Tastes gross at first, but addicting.

[ravenx]

Non-GMOers are gonna flat-earth this video so hard.