368: Who named this apple Northern Spy?

368: Who named this apple Northern Spy?

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist May 10, 2023 Duration: 51:30

Spy Novels Step Aside for an Apple of a Tale

The Northern Spy is a delightful apple used both for baking and cidermaking! At one time it was a major export commodity due to its lack of bruising when packed in barrels. As far as apples go it is a winner for so many reasons, yet no one knows why it is named Northern Spy. there are certainly many hyposthesis on the subject. In episode 226: Northern Spy and the Underground Railroad Ryan Monkman of Fieldbird Cider reads a fictional essay on the topic (do listen as it is grand).

Ep 368 Cider Chat Kerry Wilkins Kerry Anne Wilkins

In this episode we hear from Apple Sleuth or self proclaimed "Malus Absurdum" Kerry Anne Wilkins who is on the trail of the Northern Spy. Professionally Kerry works as a hospice nurse, but her love of apples and set her on a journey to find the story behind the naming of the Northern Spy.

Ep 368 cider chat Herman Chapin headstone 200x300 Herman Chapin is responsible for propagating the Northern Spy

In this Chat

  • Meeting the John Bunkers, a premier Apple Detective
  • What we know so far about the Northern Spy's history
  • Apple Sleuthing tips
    • Libraries
    • Oral History
    • Newspaper
    • Cemeteries
    • Land maps
  • Tracking the Northern Spy to East Bloomfield, New York
  • A Martha Steward faux pas that needed to be corrected
  • The Northern Spy marker in East Bloomfield
  • Herman Chapin and the Chapin family connection to the Northern Spy

]Northern Spy marker 200x300 East Bloomfield road marker reads:

The original Northern Spy Apple Tree Stood about 14 Rods south of this spot in a seedling orchard.
Planted by Herman Chapin about 1800
The Early Joe and Melon Apple also originated in this orchard.

The quest continues

Kerry is still on the quest to discover the history of the Northern Spy and hopefully the reason why this apple was named as such. If you have info please send it along her way. Recipes, book mentions, oral tales are all welcomed.

Contact info for Kerry Anne Wilkins

email: kawwilkins@yahoo.com

Want Kerry's postal address to send a letter? Contact info@ciderchat.com

Mentions in this Chat

  • Listen to episode 290 with Tattiebolge CiderWorks Acme, Pennsylvania - as mentioned in this episode it is building out!
  • Canuck Cider Cup winners for 2023
  • Who is John Bunker America's Apple Detective? There are many episodes with John feature. Begin with this one  https://ciderchat.com/028-john-bunker-apple-identification/ and then google Cider Chat John Bunker for more from this American treasure of a man!
  • Bottles on My Desk - Listen to the latest episode at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel via playlist "bottles on my desk"

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

Cider Chat
Podcast Episodes
307:  Gary Flowers & Diane Flynt | CiderCon2022 Keynotes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
Keynote Speakers of CiderCon 2022 Gary Flowers is a keynote speaker, radio host and the tour guide who leads the Jackson Ward history tour. The tour was one of a number of pre-conference tour offerings for CiderCon2022 a…
306: Ciders for Every Season | Elegast Cidery, Netherlands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:52
Elegast Cidery Beginnings Arjen Meeusem shares his story of living in Portland, Oregon and how a stop at Reverend Nat's Hard Cider to taste the cider inspired him to find out more about this niche market and its viabilit…
305: Cider Chat Live | Maker Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:43
Maker Arjen Meeuwsen of Elegast Cidery Offers business tips before you break ground, when your product is being sold and how to tap into a wider audience. Arjen's goal is "Being Present and Being Visible... and Providing…
304: Falling for the Chocolate Pear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:20
Falling for the Chocolate Pear Forager of fruits enjoy the hunt of finding hidden trees and more often than not fully laden trees in plain site. Ben Kunesh's path as a forage has led him to fruits of all natures, includi…
303: DIY Wassail Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:27
What is a Wassail A Wassail is a celebration of the orchards, most typically apple orchards to honor the natural world and pay tribute with hopes of an abundant fruiting season moving forward. A Wassail is also a cheer W…
302: Cider Mills of Washtenaw County (1841 to today) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:27
Washtenaw County Cider Mills 1841 - Present Day Patrick McCauley grew up in south eastern Michigan and recalls visiting cider mills as a child, enjoying in the fresh pressed apple juice and the cider donuts. Today he is…
301: "Quality of Life" at the Water Wheel Cider Mill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
Building a Water Wheel to Power a Cider Mill Phil Watson grew up on an old farm with an old cider press that powered a water wheel. When a water wheel turns it produces a lot of force, so his mom back then had the old wh…
300: Strange Apples - Make Them POP! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
Episode 300 and the song "Strange Apples" In this episode we celebrate the 300th episode of Cider Chat and release a new cider song titled Strange Apples! This song is one part poking fun at ourselves as cidermakers and…
299: Boomer Legends of America's Cider Trade Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:23
The Boomers of America's Cider Trade Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider founder Elizabeth Ryan tells the back story of key legislation that reduce taxes for US cidermakers in the 1990's. Though she may consider herself to be…
298: Gallettes and Cider [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
Gallettes at Scott Farm with Eden Specialty Cider Gallette dinners have been showcased at Scott Farm in Dummerston Vermont on Wednesday throughout 2021. Gallettes are a French cuisine where a batter is swirled around a f…