Apples of North America

by Tom Burford

The apple is one of the most iconic fruits, traditionally picked on cool fall days and used in pies, crisps, and ciders. And there is a vast world of varieties that goes beyond the common grocery store offerings of Red Delicious and Granny Smith. With names like American Beauty, Carter's Blue, and Fallawater, and flavours ranging from sweet to tart, this treasure trove of unique apples is ripe for discovery. There is no better guide through this tasty world than Tom Burford, whose family has grown apples in the Blue Ridge Mountains since 1715. The book is brimming with beautiful portraits of heirloom and modern apples of merit, each accompanied by distinguishing characteristics and common uses. As the view broadens to the orchard, you will find information on planting, pruning, grafting, and more. The exploration of the apple culminates with an overview of the fruit's transformative capabilities when pressed, fermented, cooked, or dried. This wonderful reference will encourage you to seek out new flavours and to give the apple the respect it deserves. It may even inspire you to carve out the space for an orchard of your own.

• ISBN13: 9781604692495
• Publish Date: 24 September 2013
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 22 October 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Timber Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 300
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Apples of North America is a comprehensive primer of North American apple varieties collected and curated by Tom Burford. Originally published in 2013, this reformat and re-release is due out 28th Sept 2021 from Workman on their Timber Press imprint. It's 312 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The author, who was an orchardist and agrarian/historian in Virginia had a lifelong history with apple varieties, growing, use, and culture. Much of that lifelong education is contained in this encyclopedic tome. The information is accessible and easy to understand and related plainly without fanfare. The information is presented in logical order: first a primer of apple varieties listed alphabetically by name with entries pictured and described in detail, apple uses with specific varietal recommendations, tree selection planting & care, and a discussion of apple products (cider, vinegar, apple butter, and dried) and how to get started with them. Each of the varieties is listed with a picture, name, alternate common names, a short history where known, description, tree characteristics, disease resistance if any, ripening season, uses, and storage quality.

The book also contains a couple of useful appendices: a bibliography for further exploration and reading, as well as a short metric conversion chart. The index includes the varieties by name as well as other subjects contained in the book.

Five stars. This would be a superlative selection for library acquisition, smallholders, home gardeners, garden groups, heirloom foodies, community gardens, and similar groups.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.