On a chilly December morning as I wandered among a sea of other shoppers in the produce aisle of my local Whole Foods, a pyramid of larger-than-average, deep-red apples caught my eye. The sign next to them read “Cosmic Crisp.” I gasped: I had been waiting months to try these apples. I called over to my wife and began dropping armfuls of apples into our shopping cart. Yet customers around me continued sifting through the Granny Smiths and the Galas, unaware that something special lay between them.
No one else in the store seemed to know the amount of work and money it took to make these apples a reality. They took 20 years and tens of millions of dollars to produce, and then they launched with a $10 million marketing budget. Was it all worth it? Read on to learn more about this specifically engineered apple.
The Cosmic Crisp® apple flavor profile is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it ideal for snacking, baking, cooking, juicing or any other way you like to enjoy apples. Bakers will find that the Cosmic Crisp® apple maintains its texture and color in sweet treats.
The History of the Cosmic Crisp
For generations, Washington State—the largest producer of apples in the United States—primarily produced Red Delicious apples. According to The Atlantic, in the 1980s, 75 percent of the apples grown in Washington were Red Delicious. By the 1990s, they were losing market share to specialty apples such as Gala and Fuji. In 1991, The University of Minnesota released the apple it had been developing—the Honeycrisp—and its popularity rose rapidly. Washington farmers needed licensing or a membership to a grower’s club to plant these specialty apples, but both these options were expensive and exclusive. Hoping to replicate The University of Minnesotas success with the Honeycrisp, Washington State University decided to breed its own apple.
What Do Cosmic Crisp Apples Taste Like?
We were able to get our hands on some Cosmic Crisp apples in the test kitchen. We conducted a blind side-by-side tasting with nine editors, some of whom were born and raised in New England apple country and consider themselves “apple experts.” We tasted Cosmic Crisp apples next to Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp.
How did the Cosmic Crisp apples compare? Tasters scored the Cosmic Crisp significantly higher than the other apples. They called the texture “crunchy,” “very juicy,” and “delightfully crisp,” with a skin that “snaps when you bite into it.” Its flavor had a “wonderful balance of tart and sweet.” Shoppers at the Whole Foods Market in Boston’s South End neighborhood must have agreed with our tasters, because when I returned a week later they were sold out—and have been ever since.
How The Cosmic Crisp Is Taking On America’s Favorite Apples
FAQ
What are cosmic crisp apples good for?
What is the difference between Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp Apple?
What are the best apples for baking crisp?
Which apple is sweeter Cosmic Crisp or pink lady?
Is Cosmic Crisp a good apple?
Overall, it is an excellent apple for baking and cooking purposes. For apple pie, the Cosmic Crisp® apple would pair well with a combination of tart and soft apples for the best texture and flavor outcome. Follow Us! Read this honest evaluation of the Cosmic Crisp® apple written by Meg Raines, recipe developer and food photographer.
Are cosmic crisps good for baking?
Compared to other apples, Cosmic Crisps have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an excellent choice for baking. This apple is also firm and holds its shape well when cooked or baked, which makes it perfect for pies, tarts, and other baked goods.
Are cosmic apples good for baking?
Additionally, cosmic apples are known for their ability to retain their shape and texture when exposed to heat, making them an ideal choice for baking. Whether you’re crafting a classic apple pie or experimenting with apple-based desserts, cosmic apples bring a delightful and unique flavor profile to your recipes.
Are Cosmic Crisp Apples good for pies?
For classic apple pies, Cosmic Crisp apples are the perfect choice. They hold up well in the oven, maintaining their shape and texture while still becoming tender. Additionally, their sweet-tart flavor balances well with cinnamon and other spices, making for a delicious and comforting dessert.