Cosmic Crisp apples, also known as WA 38, are firm, juicy, sweet-tart apples developed by Washington State University from a cross of Enterprise and Honeycrisp apples. They are known for their dark red skin, crisp texture, slow-browning flesh, and long storage life.
For home cooks, Cosmic Crisp apples are especially useful because they hold their texture well, taste balanced enough for fresh eating, and work in both raw and cooked dishes. Use them for snacking, salads, cheese boards, baking, roasting, sauteing, and apple desserts where you want a clean sweet-tart bite.
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Cosmic Crisp Apples Quick Facts
| Apple name | Cosmic Crisp® |
| Cultivar name | WA 38 |
| Parent apples | Enterprise x Honeycrisp |
| Developed by | Washington State University |
| Origin | Wenatchee, Washington |
| Flavor | Sweet, tangy, juicy, and crisp |
| Texture | Firm, dense, and snappy |
| Best uses | Fresh eating, salads, baking, roasting, sauteing, and cheese boards |
| Storage | Best kept refrigerated for longer freshness |
What Are Cosmic Crisp Apples?
Cosmic Crisp apples are a Washington-grown apple variety bred for crisp texture, balanced flavor, and strong storage quality. Their cultivar name is WA 38, and they were developed by Washington State University's apple breeding program.
The apple gets its name from the small pale lenticels on its deep red skin, which can look like stars against a dark sky. According to Washington State University Tree Fruit, Cosmic Crisp apples have red-purple blush over a green-yellow background, non-browning flesh, and a sweet, tangy, juicy flavor profile.
They are usually eaten fresh, but they are sturdy enough for cooking and baking. That makes them a practical apple to keep on hand when you want one variety that can work across snacks, salads, and warm dishes.
What Do Cosmic Crisp Apples Taste Like?
Cosmic Crisp apples taste sweet-tart, juicy, and bright, with enough acidity to keep them from tasting flat. The texture is one of their biggest strengths: firm, crisp, and dense without feeling dry.
Compared with softer apple varieties, Cosmic Crisp gives a clean snap when you bite into it. Compared with very tart apples, it has enough natural sweetness to work as a snack apple without needing sugar or dip.
The flesh is also naturally slow to brown, which is helpful for sliced apples, lunch boxes, salads, slaws, and cheese boards. It will still brown eventually after cutting, but it tends to hold its color longer than many common apples.
Chef Note
Cosmic Crisp is a good choice when you want one apple for both raw and cooked use. Slice it thin for salads and cheese boards, dice it for slaws, or use it in baked dishes where a softer apple might collapse too quickly.
Best Uses for Cosmic Crisp Apples
| Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Fresh eating | The apple is juicy, crisp, and balanced between sweet and tart. |
| Salads and slaws | The firm texture holds up well after slicing or shredding. |
| Cheese boards | The sweet-tart flavor pairs well with sharp, creamy, and salty cheeses. |
| Baking | The dense flesh helps the apple keep some structure in pies, crisps, cakes, and baked apple dishes. |
| Roasting or sauteing | The natural sugars can brown nicely with heat while the apple keeps a pleasant bite. |
| Lunch boxes | The slow-browning flesh makes it useful for sliced apples packed ahead. |
Cooking With Cosmic Crisp Apples
Cosmic Crisp apples can be baked, roasted, or sauteed. Their higher sugar and acidity help them taste lively in cooked dishes, while the firm flesh keeps them from turning mushy too quickly.
For a quick cooked apple side, slice them into wedges and saute with a little butter until the edges soften and lightly brown. For dessert, use them in apple crisps, cakes, galettes, and pies when you want a firmer bite rather than a soft applesauce-like texture.
When Are Cosmic Crisp Apples in Season?
Cosmic Crisp apples are harvested in the fall, but they are bred for strong storage life and are often available well beyond harvest season. The official Cosmic Crisp FAQ says they are available year-round at grocery stores nationwide, though availability can vary by location and season.
If you do not see them in the produce section, ask the produce manager whether the store carries Cosmic Crisp apples or can order them. They may also be labeled as WA 38 in grower or cultivar information, but they are typically sold under the Cosmic Crisp® name.
Where To Buy Cosmic Crisp Apples
You can find Cosmic Crisp apples at many grocery stores across the United States. Availability depends on the store, region, and time of year, but they are commonly sold in supermarkets, produce markets, and some online grocery channels.
Look for apples with deep red color, firm skin, and no soft spots or bruising. A good Cosmic Crisp should feel heavy for its size and have a firm snap when sliced.
How To Store Cosmic Crisp Apples
Store Cosmic Crisp apples in the refrigerator for the best flavor, texture, and shelf life. Keep them in the crisper drawer or in a produce bag with a little airflow, and avoid storing bruised apples with the rest of the batch.
For longer apple storage guidance, see this guide on how to store apples for maximum shelf life.
History and Parentage
Cosmic Crisp apples were developed by Washington State University's apple breeding program. WA 38 is a cross between Enterprise and Honeycrisp apples, made in 1997 through WSU's apple breeding program.
The variety was developed at the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, Washington. It was bred for Washington growers and selected for its crisp texture, flavor, appearance, and storage performance.
For readers comparing apple varieties, Cosmic Crisp belongs in the same practical conversation as other crisp, sweet-tart apples. You can browse more varieties in this guide to types of apples with photos.
Nutrition Notes
Like other apples, Cosmic Crisp apples provide carbohydrates, fiber, water, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. A medium apple is naturally fat-free and can be a useful snack when you want something crisp, sweet, and easy to pack.
For the most fiber, eat the apple with the peel. Wash the apple well before slicing or eating, especially if it has been waxed or handled in the produce bin.
More Apple Guides
If you like crisp, sweet apples, you may also enjoy this guide to the sweetest apple varieties. For a brighter, sharper flavor profile, compare them with these sour green apples.
Cosmic Crisp apples also work well in desserts where you want a firm apple bite, including apple cakes, crisps, pies, and recipes like these pumpkin apple streusel cheesecake cupcakes.
Cosmic Crisp apples are harvested in the fall, but they are bred for long storage life and are often available year-round at grocery stores. Availability can vary by location and season.
Cosmic Crisp apples taste sweet-tart, juicy, and crisp. They have firm flesh, noticeable snap, and enough acidity to balance their natural sweetness.
Yes. Cosmic Crisp apples are good for baking because their firm texture helps them hold shape better than softer apples. They work well in crisps, cakes, pies, galettes, and baked apple dishes.
Cosmic Crisp apples are naturally slow to brown compared with many common apple varieties. They will still brown over time, but sliced pieces usually hold their color longer, which helps with salads, lunch boxes, and cheese boards.
Store Cosmic Crisp apples in the refrigerator for the best texture and freshness. Keep them in the crisper drawer or a produce bag with some airflow, and remove any bruised apples from the batch.
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