Seven apple varieties thought to be extinct found in Pacific Northwest
Jun 1, 2021, 7:59 AM
In this photo taken Feb. 12, 2016, a box of Cosmic Crisp apples is shown at Washington State University's Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center in Wenatchee, Wash. The apple is a brand new trademarked and focus group tested variety developed by the WSU lab over the last 20 years. For at least one decade, it will be available for planting only to Washington farmers. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seven apple varieties that were thought to be extinct have been found in old orchards in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Several of the varieties were found near the communities of Pullman, Colfax, and Moscow.
The Lost Apple Project and the Temperate Orchard Conservancy announced the latest discoveries this month. In the last decade, the groups have found 29 apples once thought to have disappeared.
The Lost Apple Project partnered with the Whitman County Historical Society to identify and preserve heritage trees and orchards.
The nonprofit uses cuttings from the rare trees to start new plants that are then sold to the public.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
