Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived
The Surprising Story of Apples in the South
The Surprising Story of Apples in the South
For anyone who's ever picked an apple fresh from the tree or enjoyed a glass of cider, writer and orchardist Diane Flynt offers a new history of the apple and how it changed the South and the nation. Showing how southerners cultivated over 2,000 apple varieties from Virginia to Mississippi, Flynt shares surprising stories of a fruit that was central to the region for over 200 years. Colorful characters abound in this history, including aristocratic Belgian immigrants, South Carolina plantation owners, and multiple presidents, each group changing the course of southern orchards. She shows how southern apples, ranging from northern varieties that found fame on southern soil to hyper-local apples grown by a single family, have a history beyond the region, from Queen Victoria's court to the Oregon Trail. Flynt also tells us the darker side of the story, detailing how apples were entwined with slavery and the theft of Indigenous land. She relates the ways southerners lost their rich apple culture in less than the lifetime of a tree and offers a tentatively hopeful future. Alongside unexpected apple history, Flynt traces the arc of her own journey as a pioneering farmer in the southern Appalachians who planted cider apples never grown in the region and founded the first modern cidery in the South. Flynt threads her own story with archival research and interviews with orchardists, farmers, cidermakers, and more. The result is not only the definitive story of apples in the South but also a new way to challenge our notions of history.
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Book Review: “Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South” by Diane Flynt
In “Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South,” Diane Flynt takes readers on an engaging journey through the history of apples in the Southern United States. This book not only delves into the fascinating story of how apples transformed the region but also intertwines the author's personal experiences as an orchardist and cidermaker.
The book begins by highlighting how the cultivation of over 2,000 apple varieties shaped the South for over two centuries. From aristocratic Belgian immigrants to South Carolina plantation owners and even influential presidents, Flynt introduces us to a diverse array of characters who played pivotal roles in the development of southern orchards. This historical account reveals how southern apples, both imported and locally grown, made their mark far beyond the region's borders, reaching as far as Queen Victoria's court and the Oregon Trail.
However, Flynt does not shy away from addressing the darker aspects of this history. She examines how apples were entangled with slavery and the dispossession of Indigenous land, shedding light on the complex and often troubling connections between this beloved fruit and the region's troubled past. By doing so, she offers readers a more nuanced understanding of the cultural and social implications associated with apple cultivation in the South.
Moreover, alongside this unexpected apple history, Flynt shares her personal journey as a pioneering farmer in the southern Appalachians. She recounts her experiences planting cider apples that had never before been grown in the region and establishing the first modern cidery in the South. Through archival research and interviews with fellow orchardists, farmers, and cidermakers, Flynt weaves together her own story with those of others, creating a rich tapestry that brings the narrative to life.
Flynt's passion for her subject matter is palpable throughout the book. Her extensive research and attention to detail shine through, making this a compelling read for both food enthusiasts and history buffs alike. By challenging our preconceived notions of history, she invites readers to reconsider their understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
In conclusion, “Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South” is a captivating exploration of southern apple culture. With its combination of historical accounts and personal anecdotes, Diane Flynt has crafted a book that is both informative and engaging. Her passion for apples and their storied past is contagious, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for this iconic fruit. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in delving into the fascinating history of apples in the South. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
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