Everything Everywhere Daily The History of Apples (Encore)
Jun 18, 2025
Apples have rich associations in mythology, from the Garden of Eden to Greek legends. The journey of this beloved fruit traces back over 10,000 years to Central Asia. Discover how ancient civilizations shaped apple cultivation and the advent of grafting techniques expanded varieties. In colonial America, apples were integral in cider production and influenced agricultural practices. The podcast also examines the cultural significance of apples, their connection to the temperance movement, and their representation in music and technology.
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Origin of Modern Apples
- All modern apples come from wild Malus sieversii in Central Asia.
- Its small, crabapple-like fruit differs greatly from today's varieties.
Importance of Grafting Apples
- Apple trees are extreme heterozygotes, producing genetically diverse seeds.
- Grafting is necessary to clone favored apple varieties and maintain consistency.
Johnny Appleseed's True Story
- Johnny Appleseed didn't scatter seeds randomly but established apple nurseries.
- He grew trees mostly from seeds and became wealthy through local partnerships.