Ever heard of Streaked Pippin, Sary Sinap, or Nero? I wouldn’t blame you if these names drew a blank; it took me a moment too. But in the world of forgotten apple varieties, they’re pretty much royalty.
As part of my latest deep dive, I came across an enchanting initiative known as the ‘Lost Apple Project’, dedicated to uncovering these hidden gems and safeguarding our biodiversity.
So, are you ready for a juicy journey into this fruitful endeavor? Let’s keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- The Lost Apple Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rediscovering and preserving old apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest.
- Since 2014, they have successfully uncovered 29 lost apple varieties that were thought to be extinct, such as Streaked Pippin, Sary Sinap, and Nero apples.
- Their mission is not only to protect these rare heirloom apples but also to preserve the region’s rich apple history for future generations.
- By supporting or volunteering with the Lost Apple Project, you can make a difference in preserving our agricultural heritage and biodiversity.
The Lost Apple Project
The Lost Apple Project is a nonprofit organization founded by David Benscoter with the purpose of preserving old apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest.
Purpose and mission
I am a part of the Lost Apple Project and it’s our mission to find lost apple types. We aim to keep old apple kinds from going away. Our goal is also to protect these found apples for kids in the future.
It’s crucial work, as many types that were once grown are now hard to find. The project has found 29 lost sorts since it was started in 2014, but there is more work to do!
Founded by David Benscoter
The Lost Apple Project was founded by David Benscoter, a passionate individual dedicated to preserving old apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2014, David and his team have been on a mission to rediscover forgotten apple varieties that were once grown in the region.
Through their efforts, they have successfully uncovered 29 lost apple varieties that were thought to be extinct. The work of the Lost Apple Project has had a significant impact on local communities in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Oregon by bringing back these unique heirlooms and preserving the region’s rich apple history for generations to come.
Preserving old apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest
Preserving old apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest is a crucial mission of the Lost Apple Project. This nonprofit organization, founded by David Benscoter, is dedicated to finding and protecting rare heirloom apple varieties that were once thought to be extinct.
The project focuses on searching aging orchards in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Oregon to rediscover these lost apples. Since 2014, they have successfully recovered 29 apple varieties that were on the verge of disappearing forever.
By preserving these unique fruits, the Lost Apple Project helps maintain biodiversity and ensures that future generations can enjoy the taste and history of these forgotten treasures.
The Hunt for Forgotten Apples
In our relentless pursuit of forgotten apples, we scour abandoned farms and orchards across the Pacific Northwest, from Eastern Washington to Northern Idaho and Oregon.
Searching abandoned farms and orchards
As an apple hunter for the Lost Apple Project, I venture into abandoned farms and orchards in the Pacific Northwest. In my search, I come across forgotten apple varieties that have been left behind over time.
These neglected places hold secrets of rare heirlooms waiting to be rediscovered. With each visit, I uncover a piece of apple history that was almost lost forever. It’s like a treasure hunt, where every tree I find brings me closer to preserving these unique apples for future generations.
Rediscovering rare heirlooms
As part of the Lost Apple Project’s mission, we have been dedicated to rediscovering rare heirloom apple varieties. These are apple varieties that were once grown but eventually became lost and forgotten.
Through our efforts in searching abandoned farms and orchards in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Oregon, we have been able to uncover these long-lost treasures.
So far, we have successfully rediscovered 29 lost apple varieties since 2014. Some examples include the Streaked Pippin, Sary Sinap, and Nero apples. Our aim is to preserve these unique heirlooms for future generations to enjoy their rich history and diverse flavors.
Success Stories
The Lost Apple Project has uncovered a treasure trove of forgotten apple varieties, with success stories ranging from the rediscovery of extinct apples in Whitman County to the preservation and propagation of heirloom apples throughout the Inland Northwest.
Rediscovered apple varieties
Since 2014, the Lost Apple Project has been on a mission to rediscover lost apple varieties. So far, they have found an impressive 29 varieties that were thought to be extinct. Some of these rediscovered apples include the Streaked Pippin, the Sary Sinap, and the Nero.
These apples are not only rare but also have unique flavors and histories behind them. The Lost Apple Project is dedicated to preserving and protecting these rediscovered apple varieties for future generations to enjoy.
Impact on local communities
The Lost Apple Project has had a significant impact on local communities in the Pacific Northwest. By rediscovering and preserving these lost apple varieties, the organization is reviving interest in their history and importance within the community.
Local farmers and orchard owners have benefited from learning about the unique qualities of these heirloom apples, leading to increased diversity in their crops. Additionally, the revival of these forgotten apple varieties has attracted tourists interested in exploring the region’s agricultural heritage.
This newfound attention has boosted local economies through increased tourism and sales of these unique apple varieties. Overall, by bringing back these lost apples, the Lost Apple Project is not only preserving biodiversity but also positively impacting local communities with economic opportunities and cultural revitalization.
Get Involved
Supporting the Lost Apple Project is easy and rewarding – you can make a difference by donating to their cause or even volunteering your time to help search for more forgotten apple varieties.
Ways to support the Lost Apple Project
Supporting the Lost Apple Project is a great way to help preserve and protect these rediscovered apple varieties. You can get involved by volunteering your time and skills. There are opportunities to assist with orchard maintenance, data collection, and educational outreach programs.
Donating to the project is another way to show your support, as it helps fund their efforts in searching for lost apple varieties and maintaining their collection. By supporting the Lost Apple Project, you are contributing to the preservation of our apple history and biodiversity for future generations.
Volunteer opportunities
If you’re passionate about preserving old apple varieties and want to get involved in the mission of the Lost Apple Project, there are several volunteer opportunities available. You can help with searching abandoned farms and orchards for forgotten apples, assisting in cataloging and documenting rediscovered apple varieties, or even participating in community outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of apple preservation.
By volunteering your time and skills, you’ll play a crucial role in protecting these rare heirloom apples for future generations to enjoy.
Conclusion
The Lost Apple Project is on a mission to rediscover and preserve rare apple varieties in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2014, they have already found 29 lost apple varieties that were thought to be extinct.
With their dedication and efforts, they are not only saving these apples from disappearing but also preserving a piece of our agricultural history for future generations. Be a part of this important work by supporting or volunteering with the Lost Apple Project today!
FAQs
1. What is the mission of the Lost Apple Project?
The mission of the Lost Apple project is rediscovering lost apple varieties that were once grown in old apple orchards but are now extinct.
2. How does the Lost Apple Project find these extinct apple varieties?
The Lost Apple Project finds extinct apple varieties by searching through old and forgotten apple orchards.
3. Can we grow an extinct variety again when found?
Yes, after finding a lost variety, its scions (young shoots or twigs) can be grafted onto other trees to produce more apples of that kind.
4. Why should we care about rediscovering lost apple varieties?
Rediscovering lost apple varieties brings back unique flavors and helps preserve biodiversity in our food sources.
