How You Can Help Give New Apple Variety a Name

Washington State University is holding an online survey and contest to help name its newest apple variety (‘WA 64’). The hybrid of ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Cripps Pink’ was officially released last summer for commercial licensing. Now it’s time to give it a real name.

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The contest is currently open (ends on May 5), seeking a distinctive name for this pink-hued, firmly crisp, sweet, and tart apple.

“It’s taken more than two decades to bring ‘WA 64’ from a single tree to release,” says Jeremy Tamsen, Director of innovation and commercialization for WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. “We hope it makes a big splash in the market, but we need the right name.”

According to researchers, ‘WA 64’ has outstanding eating and storage qualities. It was selected for the fresh market.

“WA 64 is a great balance of tart and sweet, firm, crisp, and juicy,” adds Kate Evans, Professor and head of WSU’s apple breeding program. “In taste tests, people prefer its texture to ‘Cripps Pink’ — it’s crisper.”

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The contest to name the apple is open to all U.S. residents age 18 and older and ends May 5. Along with name ideas, survey respondents are also asked a few additional questions, including why they chose their suggestion and whether they have purchased fresh apples in the past three months.

For more, continue reading at news.cahnrs.wsu.edu.

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