Experience the excitement of the Apple Festival at the University of British Columbia and explore the process of naming apples. Discover how the Cosmic Crisp apple got its name and the factors considered in the naming process. Dive into the history of apple names and learn about the influence of French culture. Explore the impact of an apple's name on taste perception and the potential for scientific studies. Hear about the narrator's experience at the festival and sample various apple varieties. Delve into the history and identity crisis surrounding the word 'apple.' Discover handmade products, Squarespace, and the meaning of the word 'Kenning'.
The podcast episode explores the challenges and creativity involved in naming apple varieties, taking into consideration factors like physical appearance, taste profile, and international appeal.
The podcast hosts attend an Apple Festival where they sample a wide variety of alphabetized apples, contemplating the connections between names and taste perceptions, and appreciate the efforts behind apple cultivation.
Deep dives
The Cosmic Crisp: A Revolutionary Apple
The podcast episode explores the development and naming of a new apple called Cosmic Crisp. The Cosmic Crisp is expected to be a major success due to its reliable growth and long shelf life. The naming process involved considerations of the apple's physical characteristics, flavor profile, and global appeal. The marketing team faced challenges in choosing a name that was unique, trademarkable, and resonated with consumers worldwide. Various naming options were explored, but Cosmic Crisp was ultimately chosen. The episode also delves into the history of apple naming, including the use of descriptive names, eponyms, and place of origin.
The Joy of Apple Tasting
The podcast hosts attend an Apple Festival where they embark on a delightful apple tasting adventure. They sample a wide variety of alphabetized apples, enjoying their unique flavors and characteristics. The hosts share their thoughts and impressions on different apple names, contemplating the connections between names and taste perceptions. The festival allows them to fully appreciate the efforts behind apple cultivation and the range of flavors and qualities available to apple consumers.
Naming Challenges and Creativity in Apple Variety Names
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and creativity involved in naming apple varieties. The process of naming apples is likened to naming a child, but with the added complexities of trademark requirements and international appeal. Marketing teams evaluate various aspects like the apple's physical appearance, taste profile, and cultural significance. It's revealed that some names are rejected due to associations with candy or being too similar to existing trademarks. The episode also explores historical approaches to apple naming, including naming based on appearance, place of origin, and the namesake of individuals.
The Evolution of Apple Naming and the Role of Kenning
The podcast episode traces the evolution of apple naming over time. In earlier periods, apples were often named based on their appearance, such as Red Streak or Cat's Head. The episode highlights how advancements in DNA profiling have helped identify and consolidate varieties with different names but are genetically the same. It also introduces the concept of Kenning, a compound expression with metaphorical meaning, used in Old English and Old Norse poetry. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to appreciate the rich history and intricacies of apple naming.
All aboard, we're off to the 2023 Apple Festival at the University of British Columbia, to taste some apples and, most importantly, enjoy some apple names. And before that, we return to the classic Sporklusionist applesode to refresh our memory about how apple names are chosen - eponyms, portmanteaus, geography, or corporate R&D, just like how our ancestors named apples.
Dan Pashman hosts The Sporkful podcast - head to the Sporkful podfeed or sporkful.com to listen to the companion episode where we learn about how new varietals of apples are made. Kate Evans, Kathryn Grandy and Joanna Crosby explain the history of apple names and the current process for coining new ones.
My companions at the apple festival are Hannah McGregor of Material Girls podcast, and Martin Austwick of Neutrino Watch and Song By Song podcasts. Martin also provides the Allusionist music.
Find out more about this episode and the topics therein, read the transcript, and see pictures of the apple festival at theallusionist.org/applefest.
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