Cosmic Crisp apples
Cosmic Crisp was bred to be crunchy, juicy, and built to last. It keeps its texture for up to a year in cold storage and is very slow to brown once sliced.
Washington State University made the cross in 1997 and tested it for more than a decade before releasing it to growers in 2017. It is grown under license in Washington.
Cosmic Crisp at a glance
- Also known as
- WA 38
- Origin
- Washington State University, Wenatchee, Washington
- Introduced
- Crossed in 1997, released to growers 2017
- Parents
- Enterprise x Honeycrisp
- Skin
- Deep red-purple with light speckles
- Flesh
- Cream, very firm, slow to brown
- Licensed variety
- Yes, grown under license in Washington
What Cosmic Crisp tastes like
Sweet-tart and very juicy with a firm, crisp bite. The flavor improves after a few weeks of storage, which is why it reaches stores later than many apples.
Sweet
Tart
Crunch
Juicy
Best ways to use Cosmic Crisp
Cosmic Crisp holds its shape in baking and is a solid all-around choice, though most people buy it for eating fresh.
Fresh eating
Excellent
Salads and cheese boards
Excellent
Baking and pies
Good
Sauce and apple butter
Good
Cider and juice
Good
When Cosmic Crisp is in season
Harvest
Mid to late season
In stores
December through summer
Cosmic Crisp is one of the longest-keeping apples available and stays crisp for weeks in the refrigerator.
Common questions about Cosmic Crisp
What does Cosmic Crisp taste like?
Sweet-tart and very juicy with a firm, crisp bite. The flavor improves after a few weeks of storage, which is why it reaches stores later than many apples.
Is Cosmic Crisp good for baking?
Cosmic Crisp holds its shape in baking and is a solid all-around choice, though most people buy it for eating fresh.
When is Cosmic Crisp in season?
Cosmic Crisp is harvested in the middle to late part of the season and is usually in stores December through summer.
How should I store Cosmic Crisp apples?
Cosmic Crisp is one of the longest-keeping apples available and stays crisp for weeks in the refrigerator.
Is Cosmic Crisp a licensed apple?
Yes. Cosmic Crisp is a managed variety, so only licensed growers can produce and sell it.