Canadian researchers have developed a new tangy, juicy and crisp apple variety through cross-pollination methods with Splendour and Gala cultivars.

The variety, marketed as Salish™ and scientifically known as SPA493, was bred by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists in partnership with the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation (PICO).

Once the desired characteristics were yielded by AAFC scientists, PICO worked extensively in testing and evaluating the new variety with growers.

PICO general manager and CEO John Kingsmill said 15 orchardists had now committed to the variety.

"This delightful apple holds the promise of being one of the best," he said.

Kelowna-Lake Country member of parliament Ron Cannan said the apple represented the "sweet rewards of many years of research and investments in innovation that will pay off for the farmers that grow this tasty achievement".

"This is a delicious example of government and industry working together to deliver new market opportunities to our farmers."

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