Old Apple Varieties with Daniel Bussey

Old Apple Varieties with Daniel Bussey

Author: Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com December 27, 2023 Duration: 58:03

Learn about old apple cultivars with apple historian Daniel Bussey, author of The Illustrated History of Apples in the United States and Canada.


The host of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and Podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.  Tune into The Urban Forestry Radio Show LIVE by going to RealityRadio101.com on the last Tuesday of every month at 1.00 pm Eastern Time.


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  • (00:00) - Exploring old apple varieties at an apple tasting event
  • (00:34) - Podcast name change in January
  • (01:53) - Why Dan started writing about old apple varieties
  • (03:23) - Why old apple varieties have funny names
  • (05:25) - Smokehouse Apple and fire blight resistance
  • (06:31) - Ginger Gold Pedigree
  • (07:52) - Slack ma Girdle apple!
  • (08:36) - Best old apple varieties for fresh eating
  • (12:07) - Why russet apples fell out of favor
  • (14:09) - How do you identify apple varieties on an old tree visually and with DNA testing
  • (17:25) - Black Oxford and Roxbury Russet apple questions
  • (19:14) - Westfield seek no further apple history
  • (20:58) - How names of old apple varieties have changed over the years.
  • (22:44) - Ben Davis apple history and why it has multiple names
  • (24:46) - McAfee apple history
  • (26:08) - Sheep nose apple variety
  • (26:54) - Tolman Sweet apple trees
  • (28:07) - Old apple varieties that are easier to grow
  • (29:58) - A Word from our Sponsors
  • (34:37) - More on Old Apple Varieties
  • (35:53) - History of the USDA apple illustrations
  • (37:10) - Pitmastin Pineapple and Fire blight resistance
  • (38:12) - Ashmeet's Kernel - and identifying Russet apples
  • (39:47) - Franklin apple
  • (40:34) - Are many old apple varieties lost forever?
  • (41:30) - Limbertwig apples
  • (43:54) - Allergies to some apples and not to others
  • (46:44) - Where to buy old apple varieties
  • (47:41) - Programs to preserve old apple varieties and apple tree grafting
  • (51:46) - Which old apple varieties make the best pies
  • (54:00) - Did you enjoy this show as a livestream on YouTube?
  • (54:42) - How to order Dan's books and how to reach out to him
  • (56:41) - How to access more fruit tree podcasts like this one

Imagine stepping into your own backyard and picking a perfect, sun-warmed apple from a tree you nurtured yourself. That tangible connection to the land and the deep satisfaction of growing your own food is at the heart of Orchard People. Hosted by fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner, this podcast digs into the practical and often surprising world of cultivating fruit trees, whether you have a few pots on a balcony or several acres to explore. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable friend, as Susan and her guests unpack the nuances of pruning for better harvests, managing pests without harsh chemicals, and understanding the life beneath our feet through soil health. You’ll hear from specialists on topics like grafting heirloom varieties, designing resilient food forests, and integrating permaculture principles into any space. It’s more than just tips and tricks; it’s about building confidence and community around sustainable growing. Tune in to this garden-focused podcast for grounded advice that helps both new and experienced growers foster healthier trees and more abundant yields, season after season.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 123

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