Welcome to Blue Book!
Are you ready to join the thousands of companies who rely on Blue Book to drive smarter decisions? View our plans and get started today!
Still have questions? We’d love to show you what Blue Book can do for you. Drop us a line– we’ve been waiting for you.

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry
My Cosmic Crisp apple exploration
I went to the supermarket yesterday to pick up a couple of things for my wife. Immediately I went to the produce section to see if they had...
I went to the supermarket yesterday to pick up a couple of things for my wife. Immediately I went to the produce section to see if they had any of those newfangled Cosmic Crisp apples. They did (“$1.99 per pound—the Nice Price!”), and I bought three of them.
At checkout, I said to the clerk, “These are supposed to be the best apples ever! They just started selling them in December. They’ve been very hyped.” She had no discernible interest.
I tried one as soon as I got home (discovering that the little code sticker had artfully concealed the one blemish). Was it really the best apple ever? It was very good, but I wasn’t tempted to launch into superlatives. I let my wife and son have a bite. They also thought it was good, but words like “fantastic” or “incredible” were not resounding through our kitchen. “Refreshing,” commented my wife.
After eating the whole thing, I would say that the Cosmic Crisp was extremely tasty. I was impressed particularly by the nearly perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I just ate another one at the office. Again, very good—maybe a bit more tart than the first. Apart from the color, the apple that it reminded me of the most was the Granny Smith, although of course this was sweeter.
Would I buy Cosmic Crisps again?
Sure—maybe for stuffing the duck (an impulse purchase on the same trip). Contrary to what some of the promotions had promised, the Cosmic Crisp didn’t send me into ecstasies, but it is a welcome addition to the universe of apples.
Richard Smoley, editor for Blue Book Services, Inc., has more than 40 years of experience in magazine writing and editing, and is the former managing editor of California Farmer magazine. A graduate of Harvard and Oxford universities, he has published eleven books.

News you need.
Join Blue Book today!
Get access to all the news and analysis you need to make the right decision --- delivered to your inbox.
What to read next
FTE: Ending tomato suspension agreement protects all U.S. tomato producers
The core issue is the proven dumping by Mexican growers, which violates legal agreements and harms U.S. farmers, said Robert Guenther.
The Produce Reporter Week in Review June 6, 2025
A deeper look at online grocery's projected growth and how Aldi doubles down on its consumer value proposition.
The ‘Age of Intelligence’ offers an opportunity to advance food safety
The world is on the brink of significant transition due to the possibilities of AI – and the agriculture industry is no exception.
ProduceIQ: All eyes on the tropics as Atlantic hurricane season kicks off
The ProduceIQ Index dropped -8 percent over the past week, its steepest weekly decline this year, yet it remains at a ten-year high.
The Produce Reporter Week in Review May 30, 2025
Pamela Riemenschneider returns to Week in Review to discuss the MAHA Report, tariffs in the produce department, and a cheeky new diet.
The next steps for the MAHA Commission
When the Trump administration released its MAHA Commission report, there were several positive aspects for the fresh produce industry.
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Blue Book Services. All Rights Reserved