Monadnock Ledger-Transcript – Hancock Town Library presents apple program

Hancock Town Library will present “Apple Diversity: Preserving and Increasing Our Botanical and Cultural Heritage” via Zoom Thursday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

There are more than 16,000 named apple varieties in North America – many of them extant, but many others considered extinct. Ben Watson, author of “Cider, Hard and Sweet” and biodiversity advocate for Slow Food International, will talk about the origins and genetics of the modern apple, how it spread throughout North America and how it is at risk today due to many factors: disease and pest pressure, loss of orchard lands and corporate food systems that offer little choice in the market.

The discussion will include how people can help promote great apples and preserve regional and cultural identity. Watson was a longtime senior editor for Chelsea Green and other publishers, and specializes in books on sustainable agriculture, ecological gardening and traditional foods and food culture. He consults on heritage orchard and biodiversity projects around the country and speaks frequently to audiences on the history and biological diversity of apples and the re-emerging national and world cider culture. Call the library at 603-525-4411 by the end of the day Jan. 19 for the Zoom link.