First, Envy apples made the journey from their New Zealand birthplace to new orchards in Washington State. Now, the apples have completed an even longer trip, travelling from Washington State to Cape Canaveral on a resupply mission to the International Space Station.
“We are delighted that our Envy apples were included aboard the latest SpaceX Dragon flight, resupplying the astronauts on the International Space Station,” said George Harter, Vice President of Marketing at CMI Orchards. “We think Envy are one of the best apples on the planet. Now they are the best apples in the universe too.”
Envy apples, grown by McDougall & Sons in Wenatchee and other Enza-approved growers in Washington State, were included in the 4,800-pounds sent to supply the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This commercial cargo mission to resupply the space station began on December 15 with liftoff aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
“As our retail customers have discovered, Envy apples are wonderfully unique,” said Harter. “Having the opportunity to support the important mission of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station with our apples is a terrific honor.”
Harter says Envy are special apples because of the combination of a very crunchy texture and high brix (sugar content) that delivers an incredibly sweet flavor. “We think Envy are one of the best apples from the T&G apple breeding program in New Zealand. We’re so excited to be growing them here in Washington State.”
Harter added that with increased production there will be more opportunities for consumers to enjoy Envy apples right here on Earth. “CMI’s Envy production is up 56% this year. This means more opportunities for supermarkets and consumers to make the Envy discovery.”
"For years, we've stated that sweet, crisp, and slow-to-brown Envy apples are 'out of this world', and now they literally are,” joked Chris Willett, Operations Manager for T&G Global, owners of the Envy apple brand. "But seriously, it is humbling for our apples to be included in this mission and we hope that they provide the International Space Station crew with a refreshing and healthy taste of home while they’re orbiting more than 200 miles above us.”
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