353: Apple Historian John Bunker Q&A | Maine Apple Camp

353: Apple Historian John Bunker Q&A | Maine Apple Camp

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist January 25, 2023 Duration: 58:59

Preservation Tips from an Apple Historian

John Bunker is a self identified Apple Historian and an Apple Detective, Author of numerous books on the topic of Apples and Founder of FEDCO Trees. In the previous podcast episode #352 John delivers an overview on the Successes and Challenges of the Maine Heritage Orchard over the past 10 years. This episode 353 is the Q&A that followed that address. Typically, it would be recommend that you listen to episode 352 before delving into the Q&A, but even out of sequence one will find John's witty and insightful comments on a range of apple topics worth a listen.

352 John bunker Feature 200x300 John Bunker

Q&A Topics in this Chat

  • Time line of planning and planting Trees
    • What John recommends doing differently
  • Found stories of people and migration patterns about the collection
  • Questioned if John knew of dump sites that are being used in this type of format
  • John helps to define Heirloom/Heritage Apples
  • Genetics of Apples and seeds
  • Climate change and the future of preserving rare vareities
  • Legacy in relationship to the work of apple today for tomorrow.
    •  

This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp.

  • Maine Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024.
  • It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
  • Go to MOFGA.org and join today!

Contact info for John Bunker

Episode 352 is Part 1 to this Q&A with John Bunker on the Maine Heritage Orchard.

Mentions in this Chat

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There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
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