A new WA apple will hit the market before 2030. Here’s how you can help pick its name
It’s common to want to leave a permanent mark somewhere. Many people desire something they can point out as their contribution to something greater.
Sometimes, you can accomplish this through something a simple as a name.
For example, the Washington State Department of Transportation allows people to submit name suggestions with each new snowplow bought by the state, which has led to a fleet of pun-inspired snowplows hitting the roads each winter, along with a flurry of fans.
But what if you could name the next Washington state apple to hit the market, and leave your mark through national branding?
Thanks to a new contest out of Washington State University, you can.
WSU’s latest apple: WA 64
Currently known as WA 64, this hybrid apple was originally bred in Wenatchee in 1998. It was officially released by WSU last year, and is a combination of Honeycrisp apples and the Cripps Pink, which is marketed as the Pink Lady.
The pink apple is “firmly crisp,” sweet and tart,” according to a press release from WSU. Selected for the fresh market, it has “outstanding” eating and storage qualities.
“WA 64 is a great balance of tart and sweet, firm, crisp, and juicy,” stated Kate Evans, professor and head of WSU’s apple breeding program, in the press release. “In taste tests, people prefer its texture to Cripps Pink — it’s crisper.”
WA 64 is the newest apple to get this far into the selection process, the program’s 64th in phase two and fourth to make it to release. The three-phase selection process takes years for each phase, making it a long process to introduce a new hybrid apple to the market. The last apple to make it through was the Cosmic Crisp, which is now a top 10 best-selling apple variety in the country by sales and volume, according to the press release.
Trees will be available for growers in 2026, and the apples are expected to reach grocery stores in 2029. Royalties from the tree and fruit sales support WSU’s apple breeding research.
“It’s taken more than two decades to bring WA 64 from a single tree to release,” stated Jeremy Tamsen, director of innovation and commercialization for WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. “We hope it makes a big splash in the market, but we need the right name.”
WSU’s apple naming contest
That’s where the contest comes in. The program is delegating the apple’s given name to the public.
The online survey is open through May 5 to all U.S. residents ages 18 and up. Each respondent gets only one name suggestion, so make yours count. You’ll also be asked to give some reasoning behind your suggestion, and whether you’ve bought fresh apples recently.
“We’re looking for a name that’s memorable and punchy,” Tamsen stated in the press release. “An ideal name might play on our apple’s qualities or draw a connection with Washington state, where WA 64 will be exclusively grown for at least the next 10 years.”
There are some guidelines for naming. Your suggestions cannot include:
- Profanity or offensive language
- Existing trademarks
- Reference to illegal substances or activities
- A mash-up of the parent apple names (like Honey Pink or Pink Crisp)
According to the press release, the winner will receive a gift box including:
- WA 64 apples
- Cougar Gold cheese
- WSU spice rubs
- Engraved charcuterie board
- University-branded coffee cup and water bottle
“This contest lets Washington State University tap into the creative juices of minds across the country,” Tamsen stated. “The winner gets to see their suggestion help market this delicious apple. Every time they take a bite, they’ll be reminded of that creativity.”
You can also vote online for others’ submissions.
This story was originally published April 10, 2024 at 11:36 AM.