The new apple variety called the Salish. -- Photo courtesy of UBC

Apple lovers in the Vancouver area will soon be able to sink their teeth into a new variety of the fruit.

The Salish made its debut Saturday at the annual University of British Columbia Apple Festival.

"When you taste the Salish apple here today, you are sampling the sweet rewards of many years of research and investments in innovation that will pay off for the farmers that grow this tasty achievement," Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan told the gathering.

The Salish is tangy, juicy and very crisp, raves Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in a statement. It is medium-sized, with a pinkish red blush over a yellow background colour. The agency say the apple 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.

The apple was developed and tested by AAFC scientists, in partnership with the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation (PICO). Like all AAFC varieties, this new apple was developed using traditional cross-pollination methods.

"With already fifteen orchardists committed to growing the Salish, we look forward to having increased production year after year," says John Kingsmill, CEO of PICO. "This delightful apple holds the promise of being one of the best."