CHEW: Apple's Cultural & Culinary Importance, April 4

Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin (CHEW),

The Cultural and Culinary Importance of Apples

April 4 at 7:15 PM

Gravenstein. Coe’s Golden Drop. Mendocino Cox. The names sound like something from the imagination of Tolkien or perhaps the ingredients in a dubious magical potion rather than what they are—varieties of apples. But as befits their enchanting names, apples have transfixed and beguiled humans for thousands of years.

Erika Janik will explore the cultural and culinary importance of a fruit born in the mountains of Kazakhstan that has since traversed the globe to become a favorite almost everywhere. From the Garden of Eden and Homer’s Odyssey to Johnny Appleseed, William Tell, and even Apple Computer, Erika will discuss how apples have become a universal source of sustenance, health, and symbolism from ancient times to the present day.

Erika Janik is an award-winning writer, historian, and the editor of "Wisconsin Life" on Wisconsin Public Radio. She's the author of Odd Wisconsin, A Short History of Wisconsin, Madison: A History of a Model City, and Apple: A Global History. Her work has appeared in many publications including Midwest Living, Smithsonian, Mental Floss, Salon, Wisconsin Trails, and the Wisconsin Magazine of History.

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Meeting Venue: Goodman Atwood Community Center, Bolz Room A;
149 Waubesa Street, Madison 53704; 608-241-1574.