See also The new Cosmic Crisp apple hits stores — after years of development
Cosmic Crisp® apples have been in development for over 20 years. This deliciously exciting new branded apple variety is the dream apple created from the collective and inspired thinking of many people. Bruce Barritt, horticulturist and developer of the Cosmic Crisp®, set out on a mission to fill a produce void for a firm, crisp, and juicy apple. After decades of cross-pollinating, tasting, and testing, along with research and development with Washington State University’s world-class tree fruit breeding program, the Cosmic Crisp® apple was discovered. WSU researchers, including pome fruit breeder Kate Evans, have invented a new variety that will change the face of the industry and win enthusiasm among consumers with a combination of taste, texture, and usability. The Cosmic Crisp® apple demonstrates how the science of breeding and the art of imagination can work together to create an utterly new and delightful apple.
I read about the Cosmic Crisp awhile ago - it is an interesting story. I bought one to share with my wife and the kids. (Yes - just one!) We all thought it was really good. $2.50 an apple good? Not sure. (It was some price like that iirc).