In 2018, city employees discovered 12 apple and pear varieties on the Bijloke site and in the Ferdinand Lousbergspark that were previously thought lost. These are varieties that date back to the late Middle Ages. This was proven after DNA research. They were given the names ‘Perle de Gand’ and ‘Ana-Moira’, among others.
At the sites, the old varieties were grafted onto young rootstocks. A non-profit organization continued to work on growing new specimens. The city will now continue to plant them at other locations. In this way, the survival of the old varieties should be assured.
The trees will be on public property. The city is mapping the exact locations. The fruits are edible and everyone can pick and eat them. That is already possible, by the way, the apples in the Bijloke site are ripe. Ghent is also competing for the provincial heritage prize with the project.
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are some People Also Ask (PAA) related questions for the title **”The Quest for America’s Forgotten Apples: Uncovering Extinct Varieties”**:[1]The Quest for America’s Forgotten Apples: Uncovering Extinct Varieties[2]In the world of botany, the discovery of lost or extinct plant species is a thrilling event. One such exciting tale is that of America’s forgotten apples, varieties that date back to the late Middle Ages and were thought to be lost forever. But thanks to the tireless efforts of enthusiasts and researchers, many of these ancient apple varieties are being rediscovered, and their stories are being rewritten.[3]The Bijloke Discovery
In 2018, city employees in Belgium made a remarkable discovery on the Bijloke site and in the Ferdinand Lousbergspark. They stumbled upon 12 apple and pear varieties that were previously thought to be extinct[[[[[[[[Not Provided]. These varieties, dating back to the late Middle Ages, were identified through DNA research. This find was a significant breakthrough, as it not only highlighted the importance of preserving our cultural heritage but also underscored the significance of scientific research in uncovering the secrets of our past.
The Lost Apple Project
Across the Atlantic, a similar quest was underway. The Temperate Orchard Conservancy (TOC) launched the Lost Apple Project, aimed at identifying and preserving forgotten apple varieties in the United States. In 2020, the TOC identified the Mihlyfi apple among those sent by the Lost Apple Project[[[[[[[[
- 2 How many varieties of apples have been lost since the 1800s what accounts for this
].
Pioneer-Era Apples Rediscovered
Around the same time, a retired FBI agent, Dave Benscoter, and his team made a groundbreaking discovery in the American West. They identified 10 pioneer-era apple varieties thought to be extinct, including the Sary Sinap[[[[[[[[
]. This brought the total number of rediscovered varieties to 23. Benscoter’s journey has been a decade-long quest to find these 100-year-old heirlooms, many of which are still hidden in the wild[[[[[[[[
].
Why Preserve Forgotten Apples?
So, why is it essential to preserve these forgotten apple varieties? For one, they are an integral part of our cultural heritage, offering a window into the past and our collective history. Moreover, these varieties can provide valuable insights into the evolution of apples and the development of new varieties. They may also hold the key to creating more resilient and disease-resistant apples, essential for ensuring food security in an increasingly uncertain climate.
The Future of Apple Preservation
The rediscovery of these forgotten apple varieties is a testament to the power of human curiosity and the importance of preserving our cultural and natural heritage. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to support initiatives like the Lost Apple Project and the work of dedicated researchers like Dave Benscoter. By doing so, we can ensure that these ancient apples continue to thrive, providing a rich and flavorful legacy for generations to come.
Conclusion
the quest for America’s forgotten apples is a fascinating tale of discovery, perseverance, and preservation. From the Bijloke site to the American West, researchers and enthusiasts are working tirelessly to uncover the secrets of our past and preserve our cultural heritage. As we learn more about these ancient apple varieties, we are reminded of the importance of protecting our natural world and the significance of human curiosity in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
How many varieties of apples have been lost since the 1800s what accounts for this
The Quest for America’s Forgotten Apples: Uncovering Extinct Varieties
In the world of botany, the discovery of lost or extinct plant species is a thrilling event. One such exciting tale is that of America’s forgotten apples, varieties that date back to the late Middle Ages and were thought to be lost forever. But thanks to the tireless efforts of enthusiasts and researchers, many of these ancient apple varieties are being rediscovered, and their stories are being rewritten.
The Bijloke Discovery
In 2018, city employees in Belgium made a remarkable discovery on the Bijloke site and in the Ferdinand Lousbergspark. They stumbled upon 12 apple and pear varieties that were previously thought to be extinct. These varieties, dating back to the late Middle Ages, were identified through DNA research. This find was a significant breakthrough, as it not only highlighted the importance of preserving our cultural heritage but also underscored the significance of scientific research in uncovering the secrets of our past.
The Lost Apple Project
Across the Atlantic, a similar quest was underway. The Temperate Orchard Conservancy (TOC) launched the Lost Apple Project, aimed at identifying and preserving forgotten apple varieties in the United States. In 2020, the TOC identified the Mihlyfi apple among those sent by the Lost Apple Project [2[2]. This project has led to the discovery of over 1,000 apple varieties, with an actual original tree being found in each case [1[1].
Pioneer-Era Apples Rediscovered
Around the same time, a retired FBI agent, Dave Benscoter, and his team made a groundbreaking discovery in the American West. They identified 10 pioneer-era apple varieties thought to be extinct, including the Sary Sinap [3[3]. This brought the total number of rediscovered varieties to 23. Benscoter’s journey has been a decade-long quest to find these 100-year-old heirlooms, many of which are still hidden in the wild [4[4].
Why Preserve Forgotten Apples?
So, why is it essential to preserve these forgotten apple varieties? For one, they are an integral part of our cultural heritage, offering a window into the past and our collective history. Moreover, these varieties can provide valuable insights into the evolution of apples and the development of new varieties. They may also hold the key to creating more resilient and disease-resistant apples, essential for ensuring food security in an increasingly uncertain climate.
