Washington State University will give students, faculty, and staff an exclusive first taste of its newest apple variety, Sunflare™, during a preview sampling event on the Pullman campus Thursday, Jan. 22.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CUB Food Court. Complimentary samples will be available while supplies last, and the preview is open only to the WSU campus community.
Developed through WSU tree fruit research, Sunflare™ is the first new apple to emerge from the university since the blockbuster release of Cosmic Crisp®. The variety drew widespread interest during its development, with more than 17,000 people submitting name suggestions before Sunflare™ was selected.
A tart, crunchy, juicy cross of Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink — better known under the trademark name Pink Lady® — Sunflare™ apples will reach grocery stores in 2029.
Scientists first bred Sunflare™ in 1998 when they hand-pollinated a Honeycrisp flower with pollen from a Cripps Pink tree at WSU’s Columbia View Research Orchard.
WSU holds a patent on WA 64 and has filed trademark applications for the Sunflare™ brand name.
The tasting, hosted by WSU Innovation & Entrepreneurship, will give the campus community an early look at the apple’s flavor and the science behind its creation, while highlighting WSU’s ongoing leadership in agricultural innovation.
WSU scientists continue to study and share recommendations on the best ways to grow WA 64. Royalties from sales of the trees, budwood, and, eventually, the fruit itself, will help support research and future apple varieties at WSU.
