An apple a day could keep a species alive

Photo by Matthew Carden





Apple season is beginning and you should know that the Gravenstein apple is an endangered species. As my husband pointed out, unlike an endangered animal, the way to save this apple is to eat it. In the 1970’s Sonoma County was the Gravenstein capital of the world: today there are fewer than 10 Sonoma farmers who still make a living selling apples. Eat them, seek them out and find them, help the farmers survive. Slow Food Russian River and it's volunteers are helping save this delicious apple, all the farmers and people who make products from this fruit. This delicious and crisp apple really bring me back to my childhood, we didn't have these where I grew up but we had apples.

I grew up in Upstate New York in the midst of apple orchards, the best times were getting the fresh cider and a paper bag of apples to take home. I would like to be able to do that here is Sonoma with my daughter, good times we hope.

My husband was commissioned by Slow Food Russian River to create a poster about saving the Gravenstien and chronicle the life of the apple from blossom to fruit and everything in between. If you are interested in Slow Food go to the Slow Food Nation event here in San Francisco in September.

"Slow Food Russian River is one of 140 convivia in the USA to carry out the Slow Food mission at the local level. We support and promote the food traditions that are part of the cultural identity of this country. Please join us as we work to celebrate and sustain the agricultural and culinary traditions of people around the world."

If you would like a poster contact info@slowfoodrr.org. 

If you would like to purchase one of Matthew's other works go 350 Degrees or contact me.

Poster Text 

Sebastopol Gravenstein Apple Presidia Project - Production of Gravenstein apples is now only a fraction of its historic levels as small farmers struggle to market their heirloom fruit. The international
Slow Food Foundation for Bio-Diversity has established the Sebastopol, California Gravenstein as one of only six food products in the U.S. to be placed in their Presidia.
The Presidium, (from Latin praesidum, ‘protection, garrison’) works to promote farmers who nurture their apples from tree to table. Their agricultural traditions yield sweet-tart, crisp, juicy and delicious
Gravenstein apples. For more information go to www.slowfoodrr.org.
Slow Food USA envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability,
and social justice – in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair. www.slowfoodusa.org.
Limited edition poster by Matthew Carden - www.350degrees.com.