Washington State University turned to a public contest to name the most recent apple to emerge from its breeding program. The university received more than 15,000 responses. Ryan Escarcega, a food service salesperson and chef from Centralia, Washington, submitted the winning entry of Sunflare.

The Washington State University breeding program aims to give customers better apples to eat. The Sunflare is a tart, crunchy, juicy cross of Honeycrisp and Pink Lady. The apples are anticipated to reach grocery stores in 2029.

Before using the Sunflare name, the apple was known as WA 64. Washington State University holds a patent on WA 64. The university has also filed trademarks for the Sunflare brand name.

Sunflare becomes the third apple to reach commercialization from the university’s breed program. The Cosmic Crisp was launched in 2019. Scientists continue to study and share recommendations on the best way to grow Sunflare apples.

Read more on the introduction of Sunflare apples here.