Kanzi® brand apples have blasted into space, rocketing from Washington State orchards to the crew of the International Space Station. A special hand-picked selection of Kanzi® apples traveled on an unmanned SpaceX-10 cargo flight on Falcon 9 rocket, providing an intensely-flavored treat for the astronauts living aboard the station.
The SpaceX-10 flight was launched on February 18, 2017 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to enter space and dock at the International Space Station. The primary mission of the flight was to resupply the Space Station, as conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA.
According to Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards in Wenatchee, WA, the Food System Manager at the Johnson Space Center selected Kanzi® apples for the resupply mission. “We think it’s an absolutely perfect fit for astronauts wanting a fresh taste from home,” said Mast. “NASA wants to work directly with growers to secure the freshest and most delicious fruit imaginable for the space crew and Kanzi® apples fit the bill.”
Kanzi® Alliance grower Scott Swindeman, of Applewood Orchards in Michigan, was delighted to partner with CMI to provide some of the very best apples to the crew of the Space Station. "With flavor that is out of this world, it is only fitting that Kanzi® apples have the opportunity to be universally appreciated,” said Swindeman.
About Kanzi® apples
Discover one of Europe’s favorite apples! Flavor intense Kanzi® apples are perfectly sweet and tart. Pair with cheese or enjoy as a snack for a tasty bite.
Learn about where Kanzi® apples are grown
Kanzi® brand apples come from select growers in strategic regions across the United States. One of the owners of CMI Orchards (Columbia Fruit Packers) was granted the exclusive opportunity to develop the North American market for Kanzi® brand apples. CMI Orchards grows Kanzi® in Washington State and has formed an alliance with Applewood Orchards in Michigan to provide retailers with a regional program for Kanzi® brand apples grown in Michigan.
About CMI Orchards
CMI Orchards is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality apples, pears, cherries and organics. Based in Wenatchee, WA, CMI Orchards delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cmiorchards.com
Source: CMI Orchards