Sunflare is the name chosen for WSU’s colorful next apple

YAKIMA – Washington State University has announced that its new apple, WA 64, will be branded as Sunflare. The name was revealed on December 10, 2024, during the Northwest Horticulture Expo in Yakima, following a public contest that received over 15,000 entries. WSU apple breeder Kate Evans said that Sunflare meets the goal of providing consumers with better apples, as it is a crunchy, juicy cross between Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink.

The name Sunflare was chosen for its creative and distinctive nature, as well as how it reflects the apple’s colorful appearance. Winning contestant Ryan Escarcega, 49, of Centralia said he was inspired by the apple’s vibrant colors and the solar storms that created northern lights earlier in the year. Sunflare is the third apple developed by WSU and should be available in grocery stores by 2029.

The breeding process for Sunflare began in 1998, and it involved hand-pollinating flowers. WSU focuses on creating apples with great eating quality and long-term storage. The university holds a patent on WA 64 and is working with partners to market the variety.

Escarcega, who previously helped name another apple variety, won a box of Sunflare apples and other prizes. He is a food service salesperson and a chef and said he’s excited about the culinary possibilities of the new apple, looking forward to trying it in various dishes.

Photo via Washington State University

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