Wenatchee – First, Envy™ apples made the journey from their New Zealand birthplace to new orchards in Washington State. Now, Envy™ 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™ is 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 Envy™ 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™ is one of the best apples from the T&G apple breeding program in New Zealand. We’re so excited to be growing Envy™ 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 Envy™ 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.”
Envy™ apples in the U.S. are grown and marketed in the U.S. by CMI Orchards, Rainier Fruit Company and Oppy. Envy™ is a registered trademark of brand owner T&G Global.
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About CMI Orchards
CMI Orchards is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality apples, pears, cherries, apricots and organics. Based in Wenatchee, WA, CMI Orchards delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide.
Source: CMI Orchards