In Episode 423 of Cider Chat, we delve into the fascinating world of apple identification a.k.a. Apple Id with the one and only John Bunker, a renowned author and the c0-founder of FEDCO Trees, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association (MOFGA). Hear as he shares his lifelong passion for tracking down historic apple varieties and teaching others how to preserve these treasures is truly inspiring.
This presentation is part one of a two-part series on Apple ID recorded at CiderCon2024.
John Bunker portrait by John Alsop of Cornville, ME
Hear John Bunker walking us through the intricacies of apple identification, reminding us that it’s not just about identifying a fruit — it’s about preserving history. For orchardists and cider makers, understanding the varieties in your care is a crucial part of maintaining the integrity of your orchard and the quality of your cider apples.
00:00 Introduction to Cider Chat and Apple Mysteries
01:37 John Bunker's Apple Identification Journey
04:11 The Importance of Apple Identification
10:11 Understanding Apple Trees and Grafting
21:39 Resources for Apple Identification
25:37 DNA Profiling and Apple Identification
30:12 Practical Apple Identification Scenarios
33:40 Mentors and the Black Oxford Apple
34:39 DNA Profiling and Apple Identification
37:06 The Mystery of the Canadian Strawberry
38:52 The Hunt for Lost Apples
41:36 Identifying Seedlings and Grafted Trees
45:49 Commercial Orchards and Misidentified Apples
48:47 The Role of Historical Records in Apple Identification
53:26 The Fun and Challenges of Apple Hunting
58:05 Becoming an Apple Detective
01:04:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Contact for John Bunker
- Website: Outonthelimbapple.com
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Books recommended in this episode:
- Apples and the Art of Detection by John Bunker (2019)
- Systemic Pomology by UP Hedrick 1925
- The American Fruit Culturist: Containing Practical Directions for the Propagation and Culture of All Fruits Adapted to the United States, John Thomas 1849
- The Fruit Manual, Robert Hogg 1886
- Episode 422 John Bunker Keynote: Orchards and Legacy
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