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Salish apple variety presented

A new apple developed in Summerland will make its debut in stores this fall.

A new apple developed in Summerland will make its debut in stores this fall.

The apple, which has the trademarked name of Salish, was unveiled at the annual University of B.C. Apple Festival Saturday.

The Salish is tangy, juicy and very crisp. It is medium-sized, with a pinkish red blush over a yellow background colour. It has characteristics that appeal not only to consumers, with its high quality appearance, texture and flavour, but also those that Canadian apple growers seek, such as its late harvest date, good storage and shelf life, high yields and good growth habits for high-density orchards.

Previously only known as SPA493, the Salish apple was developed and tested by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists, in partnership with the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation. Like all AAFC varieties, this new apple was developed using traditional cross-pollination methods. It originated from a cross between Splendour and Gala cultivars made in 1981 at AAFC’s Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland.

“With already 15 orchardists committed to growing the Salish, we look forward to having increased production year after year,” said John Kingsmill, general manager and CEO of PICO.

The Salish is named for the Canadian Interior language of Thompson, Okanagan-Colville, and Shuswap.