SunCrisp

This newly introduced variety was developed by the Rutgers Horticultural Research Farm, New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1994.  Sometimes the name is written with a capital “C” and sometimes not. The name is registered (don’t use it for your the apple you discover), and the variety may or may not be patented.  The intent was almost certainly to create a highly desirable dessert variety since it has Cox Orange Pippin, Golden Delicious, and Cortland in its parentage. 

While the apple gets good marks on flavor thanks to the contribution of its Cox’s Orange pippin parent, the apple is prone to developing a lot of russet.  This is often the kiss of death for fruit in the world of commercial orcharding. While we favor varieties with russeted skin, many growers don't think of it as a desirable trait.  As a result SunCrisp is not widely grown. Fruit shape is conical and slightly ribbed and typically golden yellow with an orange blush.   The flesh is whitish yellow, very firm and juicy.  The flavor is tart at harvest and mellows in storage. The apple is good for pies and desserts, apple juice, apple butter, and apple sauce.  We think it is also a stand out as a dessert apple. Typically stores up to six months.