SugarBee® Growers Reflect on Perfect Pick Event; Chuck Nystrum, Reggie Collins, and Cass Gebbers Comment
CHELAN, WA - In order to celebrate the fall harvest of the SugarBee® apple variety, the SugarBee growers created the Perfect Pick event. This event, as we covered earlier this month, gave attendees a chance to learn about this popular variety and all of the ways in which it is cared for as it makes its way to market.
One of the highlights of the event was a Q&A of several SugarBee growers: Chuck Nystrum, Reggie Collins, and Cass Gebbers. During this Q&A, attendees learned the extraordinary story of the variety’s beginning. 
Chuck Nystrum is respected as an apple breeder and lovingly considered the “father” of the SugarBee apple. Upon discovering this new naturally cross-pollinated strain in his test blocks, which he dubbed CN-121, he knew he had something special. But that was just the start of SugarBee’s journey, as Chuck needed to find a nursery partner and align with grower partners willing to invest money in the hope that the variety would be a winner.
As Chuck explained, any new apple variety being tested today must not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive fresh apple market. Part of SugarBee’s intrigue is knowing the mother is a Honeycrisp apple, but not knowing the other cross. According to Chuck, he is not certain what could have cross-pollinated, as there were no other apples around. For all who grow and market the SugarBee apple, giving credit where credit is due goes out to the honeybees that created the now popular variety.
When Chuck is asked what he would like everyone to know about the SugarBee apple, he humbly and quietly said, “It is a blessing.”
Reggie Collins, who has worked with Chelan Fresh and watched the rise of the SugarBee variety from day one, also offered his insights. He was one of the champions responsible for securing the license for the CN-121 variety and brought a hive of growers together to plant the first orchards.
“SugarBee captured my attention because it was consistently the best eating apple I have ever had—every single time—it has a unique flavor profile, crunchy bite, and it is also grower friendly. They store amazingly,” he shared regarding how this variety stands out amid other red, bi-colored Honeycrisp crosses.
Cass Gebbers, a fourth generation grower, proud orchardist of SugarBee apples, and President of Gebbers Farms, shared his experience on the impact of the variety. 
“Being a Type 2 Diabetic that has to watch what I eat for twelve months of the year, I never tire of the rewarding eating experience that SugarBee apples provide,” Cass remarked, noting that upon his diagnosis, he committed to using food as medicine. Since then, he has been able to avoid being on insulin.
The power of produce is insurmountable, especially with the help of amazing varieties like SugarBee. Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover events across the industry.
