423: Apple Id 101 w/John Bunker

A Master Class on Apple Id

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.

Cider Chat Episode 423 John Bunker protrait Apple Identification 101 — 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.

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Why Apple Identification Matters

Mistakes in apple identification have been rampant throughout history. As John explains, many commercial nurseries have mislabeled apple varieties for decades, leading to confusion in orchards across the country. Whether you’re managing a small backyard orchard or running a large-scale cider operation, understanding the apples in your orchard is key to maintaining both historical integrity and your orchard’s overall health.

Cider Chat Episode 423 - Lead Slide Apple Identification 101

For John, identifying apples is like solving a mystery — a task made even more difficult by the thousands of apple cultivars that existed by the time of the Civil War. The process is intricate but essential, especially if you’re working to preserve heirloom varieties in your orchard. From comparing physical traits (known as phenotyping) to utilizing modern tools like DNA profiling, the journey to correct apple identification is rewarding. Note: Episode 424 is on Apple Phenotyping with John Bunker!

How to Start Your Apple Id Journey

John shares a three-scenario approach to apple id:

You have an apple and a name: This could be a variety like Golden Russet or Foxwhelp. Verification is crucial to ensure you’re growing and selling the right cultivar.
You have an apple but no name: This is a case of lost identity. Identifying the apple through its physical characteristics or DNA testing is key to preserving it.
You have a name but no apple: In this scenario, you’re dealing with a missing variety. The search for these lost apples can be exciting and rewarding, especially when you finally bring a rare variety back into cultivation.

Why You Should Subscribe to Cider Chat’s YouTube Channel

To truly dive deep into apple identification and preservation, don’t miss the full slideshow presentation from John Bunker, available on the Cider Chat YouTube Channel. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to a wealth of information that will help you refine your orchard care and enhance your cider-making craft with rare and historic apple varieties. Plus, you won’t want to miss Episode 424, where John will discuss the process of describing apples phenotypically — another essential skill for orchardists and cider makers alike.