Preserving Nantucket’s Fruit Trees One Apple at a Time
Apples have played an integral role in Massachusetts history since the 1600s. Hundreds of varieties were shipped from Europe and colonized all over New England. However, Massachusetts in particular adapted local favorites that were popularized for their pies, sauce, cider, vinegar, molasses, etc. These “heritage” apples come in thousands of varieties and were virtually wiped from cultivation with the introduction of industrial agriculture.
Nantucket itself had a deep heirloom apple history as well. Click here to read more (PDF)