The ‘Cosmic Crisp’ apple. Photo courtesy of Proprietary Variety Management
For the past several years, growers responding to the American Fruit Grower State of the Industry survey have sounded off about their feelings on ‘Cosmic Crisp’, a variety developed by Washington State University (WSU) breeders. Because it is a WSU variety, it can only be planted by Washington growers. However, that does not mean other growers around the country do not have strong feelings about it.
A total of 154 growers weighed in with comments when responding to the following question: “For apple growers, true or false (and why): There is no doubt that ‘Cosmic Crisp’ apples are going to continue to be the brightest star in driving apple category growth.”
The vast majority of growers responded with “false,” though a precise percentage is not possible, as many growers didn’t respond directly with true or false. In any case, the results were not unexpected, given the fact ‘Cosmic Crisp’ can only be planted in Washington, a fact numerous growers addressed.
“False, I hope, as a New England grower who has no access to it,” says one grower from Connecticut simply, a common response. Others elaborated on the theme.
“Washington controls this, it has limited value to me,” says one Pennsylvania grower. “If they don’t release it outside of the state, I can only hope it fails.”
Interestingly enough, a grower from Minnesota expressed a similar sentiment, even while agreeing with the statement.
“True, because the Washington state apple industry will not let it fail,” he states. “Nice apple, average taste.”
This past year was generally a good one for apple growers, with more than half reporting increased production, and more than a quarter reporting an increase of more than 10%. However, it seems like it was either feast or famine, as at the other end of the spectrum, nearly a quarter of growers reported a production decrease of greater than 10%.
A MATTER OF TASTE
The taste of ‘Cosmic Crisp’ is an issue many growers address, few favorably, though with the caveat that many of these growers cannot produce it, as they are not Washington farmers.
“My first taste was a sample from a market on Long Island,” he states. “Texture excellent, look excellent. Flavor had unpleasant bitter aftertaste.”
Several growers say other varieties, some club, some open, were better, including ‘Sweet Tango’, ‘Sugar Bee’, ‘Lucy Glo’, and, of course, ‘Honeycrisp’. Says one: “False, I think ‘Evercrisp’ is a far superior apple. Advertising cannot overcome taste.”
Even some growers who agree with the statement are not keen on the flavor.
“Probably true because Washington is so big,” says one Michigan grower. “But not the best taste.”
However, several Washington growers defended ‘Cosmic Crisp’, saying the taste is excellent.
“True, because it’s an excellent apple,” one said. “Juicy, interesting flavor, crisp, and stores incredibly well for 12 months.”
INCREASING CONSUMPTION
Another quibble growers from states other than Washington had with ‘Cosmic Crisp’ is the notion that it’s expanding the market, enticing new consumers with the huge national marketing push. One grower summed up the sentiments of Eastern growers, in particular.
“The market is too crowded, and transportation costs remain a huge impediment in moving the fruit to the East Coast,” he states. “’Cosmic Crisp’ is not different enough or exciting enough to wow the average consumer, even if it is on store shelves. There remain many other club or new variety introductions that have won a place in the market and will be sustained by returning customers.”