Special Access: All About Apples with David Bedford

Overview:

Calling all apple enthusiasts! Here’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of apples and innovation with David Bedford, a lead research scientist with the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program.

The University of Minnesota has been a leader in breeding cold-hardy apples for more than a century, and David has been at the heart of that work. He’ll share the fascinating story of how an overlooked apple selection, MN 1711, was rescued and ultimately became Honeycrisp, as well as how he and his colleagues continue to develop new apples that are exceptional for both consumers and farmers.

As you enjoy a cheese and cracker board and light refreshments prepared by Chef Beth Fisher, David will introduce you to the fascinating world of apple research — from flower to fruit.

In this class you will:

• Explore the history: Learn about the University of Minnesota’s long history of breeding cold-hardy apples and the traits researchers look for when developing new varieties.
• Discover the science: Learn about the science behind breeding and selecting apples — a process that can take decades from the initial cross to a new variety reaching consumers.
• Taste like a scientist: Join in some “scientific observation” as you sample a wide variety of University of Minnesota apples and discover the nuances of texture, flavor and crispness that David evaluates in each bite.
• Sip and savor: Enjoy a hard or nonalcoholic cider, cheese board and light bites as you explore the remarkable diversity of apples and develop your own apple connoisseur skills.

Notes:

• We are unable to accommodate individualized changes to the menu.
• Per University of Minnesota Policy, sampling alcoholic beverages is for educational tasting/pairing purposes and will be limited to small pours.
  
  Instructor and Host: 

David Bedford is at the heart of the University of Minnesota’s long-standing apple breeding program, whose objective is to develop winter-hardy cultivars with high fruit quality. His decades-long work focuses on developing new apple cultivars through conventional breeding and marker-assisted selection, with special emphasis on creating “explosively crisp” apples.

Honeycrisp, which is hardy in USDA Zone 4 (-25 to -30°F), is a stellar example of this work. More than 30 varieties that thrive in cold climates have been developed, including favorites like Haralson, Fireside, Honeycrisp, SweeTango® and First Kiss®. This research has helped revive Minnesota’s apple-growing industry while bringing much-needed revenue to small and medium-sized family-run orchards.
 

Chef Beth Fisher is thrilled to bring her experience to a new role as Culinary Manager at The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Known for her years of teaching at various cooking schools and creative culinary work at several popular Twin Cities restaurants, Beth is now focused on enhancing the Arboretum's fast growing culinary offerings and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!