Honeycrisp Apples Vs Cosmic Crisp: What's The Difference?

When it comes to apples, there's no shortage of varieties to choose from. Whether you're a tart Granny Smith lover or prefer the classic sweetness of a Red Delicious apple, each variety of this fruit offers its own unique flavor, texture, and ideal uses. Among the most popular types of apple are the Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp apples: two varieties that have gained considerable attention for their sweetness and crisp texture. But while they may seem similar at first glance (and even their names are similar), they have clear differences that make them stand out in their own right. The Honeycrisp apple was developed at the University of Minnesota in 1962 and was released to consumers in 1992. 

And, a fun apple fact, some of the other most beloved apple varieties around were invented at this university, too! However, talk about the Honeycrisp didn't really get going until 2007. On the other hand, the Cosmic Crisp is a much newer variety. Developed by the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center after 20 years of research, the Cosmic Crisp was introduced to the market in 2019. Cosmic Crisp apples are a cross between the aforementioned Honeycrisp and the Enterprise apple, combining the best attributes of both. They're delicious and juicy, but despite this similarity, there are a lot of things that set the two apart.

One of the most noticeable differences between Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp apples is their flavor. Honeycrisp apples are known for their balanced sweetness and tartness (they have just the right amount of tartness to prevent the sweetness from becoming overwhelming), and their bright and refreshing flavor. Cosmic Crisp apples, on the other hand, are on the sweeter side and have slightly less of a tang than Honeycrisp apples. While Cosmic Crisps still present a bit of acidity that balances out the sweetness, the overall flavor tends to be more sugar-forward than that of Honeycrisp apples.

Both apples are versatile and delicious, but their taste and differences in texture make them suitable for different purposes. Honeycrisp apples are best eaten fresh due to their juicy, balanced flavor. They're also slightly softer than Cosmic Crisps, which can make them less than ideal for cooking or baking — unless extremely soft apples are your jam. On the other hand, Cosmic Crisp apples, with their firm texture and intense sweetness, are great for baking and cooking. They hold up well in pies, crumbles, and cakes without breaking down too much. Their sweetness also makes them ideal for juicing or snacking — though, they are pretty great in a classic apple pie recipe, too.