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Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: 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.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2023
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168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 14, 2023
I received an advance copy through NetGalley.
Diane Flynt's book is a love letter to apples, their complicated history, and cider. She focuses on the American south, a welcome and fascinating exploration that goes much deeper than similar, more regionally-broad cider books like American Cider by Dan Pucci and Craig Cavallo and Cider Revival by Jason Wilson. Her books has a unique structure and flow along parallel paths: her own interest in apples and cider as she creates her own Virginia cidery, and the tumultuous history of apples in the south.
Both paths are fascinating. Her travails are relatable, going between heartbreak and hard grind. She doesn't shy away from the hard facts of the history, either, in blunt terms addressing the major role of apples in slavery and in the theft of land from native residents--and surprisingly later details, such as the government's imminent domain-style land-grab of homesteads within the borders of nascent national parks. The conclusion of the book discusses the modern cider industry--the current effort to rediscover "lost" apples, the struggle for cideries to survive (agritourism being a major route), and the role of money-driven modern apples like Cosmic Crisp.
I loved the book. It is educational and affirming, and yet another nonfiction work that enlightens me about a fruit and drink I regularly enjoy.
Diane Flynt's book is a love letter to apples, their complicated history, and cider. She focuses on the American south, a welcome and fascinating exploration that goes much deeper than similar, more regionally-broad cider books like American Cider by Dan Pucci and Craig Cavallo and Cider Revival by Jason Wilson. Her books has a unique structure and flow along parallel paths: her own interest in apples and cider as she creates her own Virginia cidery, and the tumultuous history of apples in the south.
Both paths are fascinating. Her travails are relatable, going between heartbreak and hard grind. She doesn't shy away from the hard facts of the history, either, in blunt terms addressing the major role of apples in slavery and in the theft of land from native residents--and surprisingly later details, such as the government's imminent domain-style land-grab of homesteads within the borders of nascent national parks. The conclusion of the book discusses the modern cider industry--the current effort to rediscover "lost" apples, the struggle for cideries to survive (agritourism being a major route), and the role of money-driven modern apples like Cosmic Crisp.
I loved the book. It is educational and affirming, and yet another nonfiction work that enlightens me about a fruit and drink I regularly enjoy.
June 3, 2023
*This book was received as an Advanced Reader's copy from NetGalley.
I was overjoyed when all kinds of different ciders started coming onto the market a few years ago. The range of flavors, the different brands; it seemed like something new was out on the shelves of even the local chain grocery every week. And then sadly, as soon as it came, it was quickly overtaken by the rush of seltzers and the variety seemingly disappeared overnight.
Which almost perfectly corresponds with the story told in this book. Flynt, the founder of Foggy Ridge Ciders, tells of how she went from a finance corporate job to running her own orchard and cidery, helping launch the unique, local cider craze. Not only does she explain the founding of her business, but she also dives through history, and how cider apples (and other varieties in general) took root in the South and the myriad of apple varieties that were created in response (and subsequent decline as factory farming took a bigger lead).
It's interesting, how, even with the revival of heritage apples and the different varieties, most of what a home grower can find are still the standard (red delicious, golden delicious, maybe an Arkansas Black if they're lucky). Diversification is essential for long-term crop survival and it's hard to find those that are selling these old Southern apples (I've googled a bit, it's hit or miss) as compared to the newer standardized varieties.
I enjoyed Flynt's narrative; it reminded me of some of the podcasts I've listened to from the SFA and the apple hunters that travel the backroads looking for forgotten trees in people's yards. And how many of the apples you wouldn't think of eating offhand are perfect for cider apples and adding complexity and flavor when fermented. While some of the book did feel repetitive at points, in all it was an interesting read and contained good information.
But alas, Flynt has written this book full of tempting cider descriptions, just to end it with (and this is a spoiler if you haven't already googled the company), the fact that Foggy Ridge no longer produces its own cider for commercial markets.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
I was overjoyed when all kinds of different ciders started coming onto the market a few years ago. The range of flavors, the different brands; it seemed like something new was out on the shelves of even the local chain grocery every week. And then sadly, as soon as it came, it was quickly overtaken by the rush of seltzers and the variety seemingly disappeared overnight.
Which almost perfectly corresponds with the story told in this book. Flynt, the founder of Foggy Ridge Ciders, tells of how she went from a finance corporate job to running her own orchard and cidery, helping launch the unique, local cider craze. Not only does she explain the founding of her business, but she also dives through history, and how cider apples (and other varieties in general) took root in the South and the myriad of apple varieties that were created in response (and subsequent decline as factory farming took a bigger lead).
It's interesting, how, even with the revival of heritage apples and the different varieties, most of what a home grower can find are still the standard (red delicious, golden delicious, maybe an Arkansas Black if they're lucky). Diversification is essential for long-term crop survival and it's hard to find those that are selling these old Southern apples (I've googled a bit, it's hit or miss) as compared to the newer standardized varieties.
I enjoyed Flynt's narrative; it reminded me of some of the podcasts I've listened to from the SFA and the apple hunters that travel the backroads looking for forgotten trees in people's yards. And how many of the apples you wouldn't think of eating offhand are perfect for cider apples and adding complexity and flavor when fermented. While some of the book did feel repetitive at points, in all it was an interesting read and contained good information.
But alas, Flynt has written this book full of tempting cider descriptions, just to end it with (and this is a spoiler if you haven't already googled the company), the fact that Foggy Ridge no longer produces its own cider for commercial markets.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
June 16, 2023
Flynt discusses the history of southern apples, from their roots with colonists, Native Americans, and slaves through their decline at the beginning of the 20th century, and up to their slow rise as small orchards and cideries.
3.5 stars rounded down.
The concept of the book was good, but it felt very repetitive at times. It felt like Flynt got hung up on certain things. This made this book feel like pretty slow, and sometimes very repetitive read. While I like reading about the author's experiences with her orchard, having each chapter begin with them seemed to interrupt the flow of information some. It almost felt like two separate books. I was also saddened to see that Tom Brown, who is known for his work rediscovering old apple varieties wasn't mentioned at all. He's a fixture in Appalachia, having found apples in NC, VA, TN, WV, GA. He rediscovered the Junaluska apple which Flynt repeatedly mentioned.
Thanks to University of North Carolina Press and NetGalley for the eARC.
3.5 stars rounded down.
The concept of the book was good, but it felt very repetitive at times. It felt like Flynt got hung up on certain things. This made this book feel like pretty slow, and sometimes very repetitive read. While I like reading about the author's experiences with her orchard, having each chapter begin with them seemed to interrupt the flow of information some. It almost felt like two separate books. I was also saddened to see that Tom Brown, who is known for his work rediscovering old apple varieties wasn't mentioned at all. He's a fixture in Appalachia, having found apples in NC, VA, TN, WV, GA. He rediscovered the Junaluska apple which Flynt repeatedly mentioned.
Thanks to University of North Carolina Press and NetGalley for the eARC.
May 19, 2023
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
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. Colourful 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.
Decidedly not a cookbook but a love letter to apples and their history. I live in an apple-growing area myself and learned a lot about apples and their often sordid past. A fascinating read that will get you looking at your fruit and wondering if its history was "worth it" and how you can keep our farmers employed by buying local and not imported, cheap apples from overseas. (As the granddaughter of a vegetable and fruit farmer he would be dismayed at how far people go to import apples to sell them for cheap.) Enjoy with a glass of cider (the original old-fashioned, non-alcoholic in my case)! #shortbutsweetreviews
September 9, 2023
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.
**Arc Via NetGalley**
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.
**Arc Via NetGalley**
August 31, 2023
I learned a ton reading this book. As someone who grew up in the south, much of the history I learned around agricultural practices was focused on tobacco and cotton, and this book showed me a new agricultural history (one also built largely on enslaved + indigenous people’s labor) of apples as an early staple in the south. This book was fascinating, and I really appreciated how this one was part memoir, one part history lesson, with beautiful pictures interspersed throughout.
September 8, 2023
If you don't want to go out and plant an orchard after reading this book, perhaps you have been hit on the head by an apple! Part memoir, part history lesson, part everything apples, I wish I had sat down cozily on a porch with a glass of cider and spent my hours reading this book with a fall breeze in my hair. I want to find some local apples to grow here! Definitely a wonderful read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
October 31, 2023
***** I have received and read an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for giving my honest feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.*****
While a little dry at times, the book really hits home with anyone who has ever had the pleasure of tasting some of the rediscovered apples.
Overall I give it a 4/5 stars for some great information for anyone interested in the revival of lost foods.
While a little dry at times, the book really hits home with anyone who has ever had the pleasure of tasting some of the rediscovered apples.
Overall I give it a 4/5 stars for some great information for anyone interested in the revival of lost foods.
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September 8, 2023As heard on The Splendid Table:
https://play.podtrac.com/APM-Splendid...
https://play.podtrac.com/APM-Splendid...
November 30, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms Flynt does a great job of intermixing her experiences with apple history. I think anyone with an interest in horticulture will enjoy this the most.
Ms Flynt does a great job of intermixing her experiences with apple history. I think anyone with an interest in horticulture will enjoy this the most.
January 4, 2024
Really fascinating read about the history of apples in the South. Diane also intersperses the story with her experiences as a farmer make this an engaging book for history buffs and nature buffs.
Thank you Netgalley and University of North Carolina Press, Ferris and Ferris Books for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley and University of North Carolina Press, Ferris and Ferris Books for the ARC!
January 9, 2024
Part history of apples of the Southern US, part personal story of creating a cidery in modern-day Virginia. Flynt writes an engaging book, leaving the reader hungry for more of the lore (and taste) of the apples she writes so lovingly about.
November 30, 2024
Fascinating look at apples- all the varieties that have been lost over time and how some are slowly being found in old abandoned orchards and about new varieties and ways to save them and use them so that we can enjoy the amazing flavors that are in different apples.
September 15, 2025
Am I…. An apple expert??
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews