Cosmic Crisp Apples 🍎 Types | Uses | Photos

Cosmic Crisp apples, also known as WA 38, have a unique flavor profile that makes them one of the most sought after varieties. Cosmic Crisp apples are characterized by their uniformly colored dark red skin, dense, firm flesh, and improved shelf life.

The New York Times described it as "dramatically dark, richly flavored and explosively crisp and juicy." Washington State University is betting Cosmic Crisp will "conquer" the market.

There are many ways to enjoy Cosmic Crisp apples, aka Cosmo apples. You can eat them fresh, cook them in a variety of dishes, or bake them into goods. They're also great with other flavors; it goes well with fruits, cheeses, and herbs.

What Are Cosmic Apples?

Cosmic Crisp apples are a mix of sweet and tart types grown in the apple orchards of Washington State. People usually eat them fresh, but you can also cook or bake them. These apples are grown in Washington state in the United States.

The Cosmic Crisp apple is the first widely-grown apple variety developed in Washington. The apple is expected to replace a large part of the Red Delicious stocks. The look of the apple's light lenticels against its wine-red skin reminded focus groups of a galaxy against a night sky, which led to it being named the Cosmic Crisp.

It is also firmer than the Honeycrisp, but not too firm, and high in sugar and acidity.

Seasonality

Cosmic Crisp apples are available in the winter through spring. This means they are available during the colder months of the year when most other apples are not. This makes them a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh apples year-round.

What Do They Taste Like?

top view of Cosmic Crisp apple with sunlight

Cosmic Crisp apples are a culinary marvel, offering a texture that's neither too dense nor too watery. This perfect balance makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're baking, sautéing, or eating them raw, these apples offer a satisfying bite every time. Their juiciness adds a burst of moisture to baked goods and creates a delightful sweet syrup during the baking process.

But that's not all. They have a sweet-tart balance that appeals to many people, so they are neither overly sweet nor too tart. The sweetness comes from the sugars found naturally in the apple, while acids like malic acid and citric acid contribute to the tartness. The Cosmic Crisp has a well-balanced flavor profile, making it more versatile than sweeter apples.

The Cosmic Crisp apple is a sweet-tart fruit with a firm, snappy texture. It's slow to oxidize, making it ideal for fresh dishes. You can use the apple in salads, shredded into slaws, as a snack with nut butter, and more! The apple is great for baking, cooking, and blending.

The Caramelization Factor

If you're a fan of that beautiful caramelized finish in your dishes, Cosmic Crisp apples are your go-to. Thanks to their high sugar content, these apples caramelize exceptionally well when roasted or sautéed at high heat. This caramelization adds a rich, complex flavor to your dishes, elevating them from good to gourmet. Next time you're thinking of roasting or sautéing apples, give Cosmic Crisp a try and taste the difference.

Where To Buy

If you're looking to buy Cosmic Crisp apples, you can find them at various stores across the United States. Some of the places you may be able to find them include grocery stores like Walmart, Central Market, and Amazon, as well as farmers' markets in certain areas.

History

The Cosmic Crisp apple is a remarkable fruit that has been two decades in the making. Developed by Bruce Barritt, the breeding process began in 1997. They are the result of a cross between the Honeycrisp and Enterprise apples. It was developed over a 20-year period in Washington. The apple was cultivated with the help of a grant from the USDA and underwent rigorous trials and tests over the years.

In 2007, Barritt selected a mother tree for his new Honeycrisp apple variety, which was further cultivated and tested for several years. Finally, in 2016, it was released to Washington growers.

This apple was not just a product of meticulous breeding but also a collaborative effort. It was developed at the Washington State University tree fruit research and extension center in cooperation with apple orchard growers.

But what sets the Cosmic Crisp apart? It's a cross-pollinated apple specifically bred for Washington State's cold, wet climate. This unique environment contributes to its extra sweet flavor, making it a standout in the apple world.

Cultivar History

The Cosmic Crisp apple is the result of a cross between the Honeycrisp and Enterprise apples. It was developed over a 20-year period in Washington. WA-38 was selected as the mother tree and underwent many years of cultivation and selection processes before it was released

Bruce Barritt developed the Cosmic Crisp apple in 1997. The apple is a hybrid of two different apple types, giving it its unique flavor and texture. This apple was developed with the help of a grant from the USDA.

Barritt selected a mother tree for his new Honeycrisp apple variety in 2007. The Honeycrisp apple was trialed, tested, and cultivated for several years before it was released to Washington growers in 2016.

Benefits of Cosmic Crisp Apples

The Cosmic Crisp apple is a nutritious and healthy choice for snacks or meals. Here are some of the benefits of this delicious apple:

Fiber: The apples provide fiber to regulate the digestive tract.
Potassium: The apples provide potassium to balance fluid levels within the body and protect bones and teeth.
Vitamin C is important for immune system health.
Antioxidants can help to protect cells from damage.
The apple is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.
It also provides other nutrients, including iron, vitamin E, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, and vitamin K.

The skin of the Cosmic Crisp apple is thin and delicate, so it's best to eat it with the skin on to get the most nutrition. The flesh of the apple is white and crisp, with a sweet-tart flavor. One Cosmic Crisp apple provides about 19% of the daily recommended amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestion, heart health, and weight management.

The Cosmic Crisp apple also contains vitamins A and C, which are important for immune system function and healthy skin and eyesight. One Cosmic Crisp apple provides about 8% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.

Cosmic Crisp AppleCider

Cosmic Crisp Apples cut in half down the middle showing the core

It is made from a blend of heritage apples grown in the heart of Washington's apple country. The cider is crafted in small batches to ensure quality and consistency.

Cosmic crisp apple cider has an inviting aroma with complex notes of apple blossom, fresh cut grass, sweet caramelized sugar, and tart citrusy acidity. The cider features bright golden yellow hues and a medium body. One can expect a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors on the palate with a smooth finish.

The heritage apples used to make this cider are grown in Wenatchee, Washington, an area known for its ideal growing conditions and rich agricultural history. The region is home to some of the most sought-after apples in the world, including Cosmic Crisp®, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.

The region's climate creates an ideal environment for these apples to reach their full potential, with sunny days, cool nights, and abundant irrigation from the Columbia River.

Cosmic crisp cider is made using a traditional fermentation process that has been refined and perfected over the years. Fruit is harvested, crushed, and steeped in a blend of all-natural ingredients before being carefully fermented to create a flavorful and refreshing beverage. The end result is an aromatic cider with complexity and depth that is sure to please any palate.

Cosmic crisp cider captures the essence of Washington's apple harvest in every bottle. It's a unique blend of heritage apples and traditional fermentation techniques that results in a delicious, high-quality cider every time." - Joe White, Owner, Cosmic Crisp Apple Cider.

When Are Cosmic Crisp In Season?

Cosmic Crisp apples typically arrive in stores during the late fall. The exact harvest date varies each year but usually occurs around mid-November. Some stores may begin stocking.

Cosmic Crisp apples as early as October, while others may not have them until December or January. It's best to check with your local store for the most up-to-date information.

When Are Cosmic Crispy Apples Ripe?

The apples typically ripen in mid to late October, depending on where they were grown. To find out if they’re ripe, you can look for an even yellowish-red color and feel the skin. It should be slightly firm but not hard.

Gently pressing your thumb into the apple should give a bit without feeling mushy or soft. When Cosmic Crisp apples have reached their peak of ripeness, they will have a juicy flavor with a thick skin that holds up well to baking and cooking.