Nurtured and grown by Crunch Time Apple Growers, RubyFrost® apples will launch in select retailers January 1, 2018. RubyFrost is one of two managed varieties developed by Cornell University and marketed exclusively by Crunch Time Apple Growers (CTAG).
CTAG is a group of 145 apple growers across New York state dedicated to producing the highest quality, most flavorful and innovative apples on the market. RubyFrost made a successful debut in 2014 and has been gaining traction quickly as the “jewel” of the produce aisle. RubyFrost sales have increased over the last three seasons, with the apples selling out quickly in major retailers.
Highly versatile, RubyFrost is a delicious fresh eating apple with a definitive crisp texture. Slow to brown and very high in Vitamin C like its cousin SnapDragon®, RubyFrost is exceptionally juicy, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. RubyFrost makes for an outstanding baking apple, holding its shape and flavor. RubyFrost is also an excellent choice for both sweet and savory recipes.
Rena Montedoro, Director of Marketing for CTAG, reports that due to optimal growing conditions this past summer, Crunch Time has an abundance of large, luscious fruit ready for consumers.
“We have more than doubled our crop this year and the apples are truly gorgeous with a rich, burgundy color,” says Montedoro. “We anticipate having them in select retailers the first week of January.”
RubyFrost is picked fresh during fall harvest but kept in cold storage for several months to allow the apple’s distinct flavor to develop. “RubyFrost actually gets better in cold storage,” Montedoro explains, “which makes it the perfect ‘winterfresh’ apple.”
“Biting into a RubyFrost in February delivers all the juiciness, crunch and flavor experience of picking a RubyFrost right off an orchard tree on a crisp fall day,” says Montedoro.