ur planet has lost a vast majority of its nature, not only when it comes to animal species but also various plants. There are 7,500 types of apples farmed worldwide, 2,500 of which are grown in the United States, according to the University of Illinois. Yet, we barely see 100 or in some cases even less and this is because many of them have been classified as extinct. Yet, there are still some angels around this world who love our Earth and have dedicated their lives to preserving its gifts.
According to a Reddit post, a retired engineer named Tom Brown has made it his goal to prevent the extinction of several apple species. Brown has so far rescued 1,200 different kinds of apples.
When Brown first learned about a few historic apple varieties that were standardized in the 18th and 19th centuries, it all started in 1998 at a farmer’s market. Brown fervently concluded that investing his time and money in gathering and preserving many apple cultivars was a mission he wanted to pursue.
Brown even has an online resource he utilizes to aid in his hunt for long-lost apples, called Apple Search. Additionally, he prowls about Appalachia looking for anyone who may help him in his pursuit.
He searches for old orchards documented in historical documents or embarks on a hunt based on the recollections of various locals, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s and recalls apples from a long time ago. Brown collects a sample from the new tree he ultimately finds in order to do additional research.
Apples are one of the most popular and widely cultivated fruits in the world, with thousands of different varieties. However, over the years, many apple species have gone extinct due to a combination of factors such as disease, climate change, and human activity. The extinction of these apple species represents a loss of biodiversity, as well as the loss of the unique flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that they offered.
One of the most famous extinct apple species is the Esopus Spitzenburg apple. It was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson and it was known for its complex flavor, crisp texture, and outstanding keeping qualities. This variety was grown in the Esopus Valley of New York State in the late 1700s and early 1800s but it went extinct due to disease and competition from more popular varieties.
Another extinct apple species is the Roxbury Russet. This apple was known for its unique nutty flavor and was a popular variety for cider making. It was grown in the Boston area in the 17th and 18th centuries, but it went extinct due to disease and competition from other varieties.
The Yellow Transparent apple is another extinct apple species. This apple was known for its yellow color and sweet, juicy flesh. It was a popular choice for eating fresh, and it was also commonly used in baking and cooking. It was grown in the United States and Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
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