Sassy™ is a new apple variety from New Zealand. Launched by Next Generation Apples, Sassy is pegged to be a major hit this season with its incredible crunch, balanced palette, strong health benefits and edgy personality.
"Sassy is luscious, crunchy, and wrapped with a deep red colour that permeates goodness with every bite," says Evan Heywood, CEO of Next Generation Apples who own the global licensing rights.
“Its unique conical shape and intense ruby colour give it an edgy personality. It stands-out on the shelf, making it easy for consumers to remember when returning for more. Excellent firmness gives the apple a snappy crunch that lasts months after harvest. This fruit is completely delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and an attitude we call ‘zing’” says Evan.
Sassy has high levels of naturally occurring ‘anthocyanin,’ a flavonoid with antioxidant effects. Found in other fruits like blueberries and blackcurrants, anthocyanin is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. It gives foods their rich colouring, and in this apple can be seen as fine red lines permeating the flesh when cut. This feature intrigued consumers during focus group testing, saying: “I like that it’s sweet and crunchy, and especially like the redness in the apple flesh – I’ve never seen something like that before.”
For Growers, Sassy offers an early harvest window, long shelf-life and consistently packs out at percentages above traditional varieties. Sassy is an entirely new variety developed by New Zealand’s crown research organisation Plant and Food Research (PFR) and commercialised by Prevar New Zealand. This striking apples’ parentage consists of Scifresh, Fuji and Sciros.
Next Generation Apples, a collaboration between New Zealand-based growers Taylors and Golden Bay Fruit, is drawing on their years of experience to bring this new variety to the market.
Small volumes grown in Nelson and Hawkes Bay will be available for sale in selected retailers in China and Vietnam, and as samples for interested growers in 2022, with volume ramping up in the next few years.
"Next Generation Apples are confident this apple has a bright future ahead." Says Evan Heywood.
For more information:
Evan Haywood
Sassy Apples
Email: [email protected]
www.sassyapples.co.nz