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WSU Unveils Sunflare, a Climate-Resilient Apple Bred Over Nearly 30 Years
Sunflare, a disease-resistant early-harvest apple from WSU, combines Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink traits and is expected in stores after the 2029 harvest.
- On Thursday, Jan. 22, Washington State University hosted a preview tasting of Sunflare at the Pullman campus, its first new apple since the Cosmic Crisp, revealing its flavor and science.
- Bred in 1998, WA 64 is the third apple from WSU's breeding program, with over 23,000 trees produced for delivery in spring 2026.
- WSU says the variety offers growers a crunchy, firm, juicy apple, with WSU scientists holding a patent on WA 64 and working with International New-Varieties Network LLC to license it.
- More than 50 students and faculty queued for samples, with the first tasting by a third‑year sociology student; Jeremy Tamsen said 'How exciting' about the turnout.
- WSU projects Sunflare apples will reach the retail grocery market in 2029, though some reports place availability in 2030, and royalties from tree and fruit sales will support further research after a public naming contest drew over 17,000 entries.
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After Cosmic Crisp, scientists unveil an apple for the climate change era
WENATCHEE, Wash. — The U.S.’ $23 billion apple industry rests on a gamble: that every generation or so, scientists will produce a new variety that convinces Americans to fall in love again with the fruit that keeps the doctor away.
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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