Apr 1, 2016

Ambrosia claims top spot in Apple Madness

The all-purpose Ambrosia apple variety claimed the top spot last week in U.S. Apple Association’s (US Apple) first-ever “Apple Madness” bracket tournament. The five-week, five-round online competition spotlighted 32 apple varieties and fresh health facts.

USApple and its members connected with consumers throughout March (National Nutrition Month) online, on social and in media, encouraging votes at USApple.org/AppleMadness and sharing apple facts. The competition earned 25,682 votes by month’s end.

Each week, veteran varieties (“Buzzer Beater” Braeburn), popular favorites (“Hoops” Honeycrisp), and up-and-comers (“Jumpball” Jazz) faced off as they tried to advance in each of the five rounds, including the Fresh 32, Vitamin-C Sixteen, Edible Eight and Fiber Four.

The final National Chomp-ionship round pitted “Fadeaway” Fuji against the ultimate winner, “All Day” Ambrosia.

Throughout the tournament, participants entered to win a host of apple-related prizes from members such as Borton Fruit, Chelan Fresh, Envy Apples, JAZZ Apple, Knouse Foods, Michigan Apples, New York Apple Association, Pennsylvania Apples, Pink Lady America, Red Jacket Orchards, Sage Fruit, Tree Top, and Washington Apple Commission.