Apple Science, From American Beauty to Zestar

The humble apple wears many faces, from the crisp and crunchy Honeycrisp to the soft and tannic Mac. How did apples get so diverse? Apple breeder Susan Brown explains the ins-and-outs of apple reproduction and reveals how modern plant genetics allows her to “stack the deck” in favor of crisp and sweet offspring. Plus, orchardist and apple historian Dan Bussey introduces us to some weird and wonderful heritage breeds. (Click here for an apple recipe.)

A Baldwin apple, painted by Ellen Isham Schutt in 1913. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
Before the Red Delicious, the Ben Davis was the dominant American apple variety. Dan Bussey calls it “durable, with decent flavor.” Painted by Amanda Almira Newton in 1912. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
The Black Oxford apple can get as dark as a plum. Painted by Amanda Almira Newton in 1913. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
The Esopus Spitzenberg,reportedly one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apples. Painted by Bertha Heiges in 1905. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
A Golden Russet apple, painted by Ellen Isham Schutt in 1913. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
The Grimes apple, by artist Mary Daisy Arno. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
The Pumpkin Sweet, a large apple commonly fed to livestock. Painted by Amanda Almira Newton in 1912. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library
The Yates apple is a smaller variety and makes great cider. Painted by M. Strange in 1915. Image via Special Collections, National Agricultural Library