423: Apple Id 101 w/John Bunker

Cider Chat

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

• 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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