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Cosmic Crisp apple variety guide
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Cosmic Crisp apples are one of my favorite apple varieties because of their perfectly balanced flavor and beautiful coloring. Whether you use this apple variety for cooked apples, applesauce, apple pie, a healthy snack, or other recipes, this apple is sure to impress. Take a look at the history of this delicious apple and the facts. It’s sure to be your new favorite apple in no time.
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Cosmic Crisp Apple: The Basics
The Cosmic Crisp apple gets its name from the striking lenticels on the apple’s surface. The tasters were reminded of outer space and the cosmos; its name was born. The cosmic crisp originates in Washington state and comes from the parent apple, ‘Honeycrisp.’ When you bite into them, these apples have a crisp texture and are enjoyed worldwide.
The creator of Cosmic Crisp is Bruce Barritt. He is a horticulturist and developer of this amazing apple. He wanted to create a firm, crisp, and juicy apple with a perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Through tons of cross-pollinating and zillions of taste tests, he and his team created the apple of big dreams. The development was paired with research from Washington State University and its fruit breeding program. WSU researchers like Kate Evans are happy that the Cosmic crisp apple is part of their family. You will hear positive remarks about this apple’s crisp texture, striking color, and perfect flavor.
How to Buy Cosmic Crisp Apples
You can purchase Cosmic crisp apples starting in November at your local grocery stores. The warehouses in Washington state begin shipping these splendid apple varieties on November 8th. Speak with your produce department manager to see if they carry this type of apple. You can also check the Where to Buy page to see if these apples come to stores near you.
What do Cosmic Crisp Apples Taste Like?
Like many apples, these Cosmic crisps have a tart and sweetness that is perfectly balanced in flavor. The apple is widely used for snacking, baking, cooking, juicing, and more. If you want to use an apple, the Cosmic crisp works perfectly. The apples are extremely crisp to the bite and are slow to brown, making them great for having around the house.
Cosmic crisp apples are slow to brown because they have high levels of both avidity and sugar in them. They don’t oxidize as quickly as some apples, leaving them fresh longer. If you have ever sliced open an apple and watched it turn brown in a matter of minutes, you know the pain. Cosmic crisp apples won’t do this and are, therefore, fantastic for packed lunches for kids.
How to Store Cosmic Crisps
Store these apples in your refrigerator for the longest shelf life. This will maintain the freshness and flavor until you are ready to enjoy the apples. The frigid temperatures also help maintain the texture of the apple, which is part of the draw to this variety. When stored properly, these apples last longer than many other apples.
Nutritional Facts about Cosmic Crisp Apple
In each medium-sized apple, there are approximately 100 calories. 3% of this is fat, 96% is carbohydrates, and 1% is protein. These apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free, and they are also non-GMO. They rank very low on the Glycemic Index and are a great healthy snack option. They won’t boost your blood sugar levels as quickly as some apples might.
There is a food-grade wax on the apples, but the Organic version does not have a wax. Apple waxes are made with all-natural ingredients and are USDA certified to use on fruit. This means they are completely safe for consumers. After the apples are picked from the trees, they are washed and brushed to remove excess dirt and leaves. They are then packed into containers to be shipped to grocery stores. The cleaning removes any natural waxes that protect the apples from spoiling, so some apple packers choose to apply a man-made wax to keep them fresh for you.
When you get your apples home, wash them with cold water, and the wax will come off. Your apples may go bad quicker than normal, so only wash them right before you wish to use them.
Baking and Cooking with Cosmic Crisp Apples
Many people have roasted, baked, and sautéed with these delightful apples only to achieve a remarkable result. The high sugar content delivers lots of natural sweetness to whatever you are making. This allows bakers and chefs to reduce the amount of sugar they add to their recipes. A healthier option if you ask me. The high sugar content also means these apples carmelize beautifully when put over high heat!
These apples are not only naturally sweet but juicy! When baking with these apples, you get a great balance of solids and liquids. Baked goods have the perfect moisture when using Cosmic Crisps. The texture of the apples helps them hold their shape when added to heat as well. This apple is a great option for cooking and baking purposes for so many reasons.
Can I Plant My Own Cosmic Crisp Apple Tree?
No, Cosmic Crisp apple trees are not yet available for home gardeners. The Cosmic crisp has gone through 20+ years of breeding, and the growers make new plants by grafting wood onto new rootstock instead of growing them from seed to get the exact apples they want.
The other difficulty in this is that you need a pollinator. Depending on the pollinator used, the apples will vary in shape, texture, size, taste, and even color. If you wish to try growing your own, please read the purchasing and growing guidelines first.
Cosmic Crisp Apple Summary
As you choose your apples for baking and eating raw, consider some of the best apples in the Northern Hemisphere. They are taste tested to perfection and bring a smile to the face of every apple fan around. Washington state is proud to call this apple it’s own. Just imagine the possibilities with this delicious fruit option. Cosmic crisp apples are sure to be a staple in your household before long!
FAQs
What kind of apples are Cosmic Crisp?
Cosmic crisp apples are a combination of “Enterprise” and “Honeycrisp” apple. With the combination of sweet and savory, the “Enterprise” and “Honeycrisp” apple combinations creates for the pe
Is Cosmic Crisp same as Honeycrisp?
No. The Cosmic Crisp apple is different than the Honeycrisp apple. The Cosmic Crisp is descended from Honeycrisp, however, as it is a mix between the “Enterprise” apple and the “Honeycrisp” apple.
Resources
- A guide to identifying apple trees
- 65 Popular Types Of Apples Sorted By Category
- The Sweetest Apples: 40 Sugary-Sweet Varieties
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