The Appalachian Apple Hunter
Reader's Digest US|October 2022
Thousands of varieties of our favorite fruit have nearly died out. One man is trying to bring them back.
The Appalachian Apple Hunter

THE APPLES THAT dangle temptingly from trees in Tom Brown's orchard are likely not found in the produce section of your local Kroger or ShopRite. They have names like Balsam Sweet, Candy Stripe, and Night Dropper, and are among the 1,200 varieties that Brown has reclaimed from six southern states. Most haven't been sold commercially for a century or more; some were grafted from the last known trees of their kind. All are finding a new life here in Clemmons, North Carolina.

"These old-timey apples are an important part of our agricultural heritage," Brown says. "They are the apples of our grandparents and great-grandparents."

This story is from the October 2022 edition of Reader's Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2022 edition of Reader's Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM READER'S DIGEST USView All
A Race Well-Limped
Reader's Digest US

A Race Well-Limped

A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Won't You Be Our Neighbor?
Reader's Digest US

Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

These folks do Mr. Rogers proud

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Band of Survivors
Reader's Digest US

Band of Survivors

Armed with his drum kit, a Holocaust survivor fights antisemitism one musical note at a time

time-read
10 mins  |
July - August 2024
UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?
Reader's Digest US

UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?

All I wanted was some summer fun. What I got instead was a harsh lesson in the rip-off potential of payment apps.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July - August 2024
Let's Say Yes!
Reader's Digest US

Let's Say Yes!

What started out as a way to get my son to try new foods opened up a world of adventure for my family

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER
Reader's Digest US

A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER

The bear had its jaws clamped on his friend. There was only one thing to do: tackle.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July - August 2024
13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics
Reader's Digest US

13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics

THE 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off July 26 in the host city of Paris, though several of the 41 event venues are located elsewhere in France.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
STOP THE RIDE!
Reader's Digest US

STOP THE RIDE!

AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE MEANT TO THRILL. BUT OFTEN THEY JUST MAKE US SICK. ONE INTREPID RIDER IS ON A QUEST TO FIND OUT WHY SHE'S ALWAYS LOSING HER LUNCH.

time-read
9 mins  |
July - August 2024
Raise A GLASS!
Reader's Digest US

Raise A GLASS!

FAVORITE DRINKS FROM EVERY STATE

time-read
8 mins  |
July - August 2024
A Race Well-Limped
Reader's Digest US

A Race Well-Limped

A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024