Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
Heirloom is a hot word in the gardening world. But what exactly is an heirloom fruit or vegetable? And why is Pennsylvania such a prime spot for these idiosyncratic plants? Heirlooms are varieties of edible plants that originated before the era of mass agriculture. Some folks will say that they must be at least 50 years old, but the more important factor is having provenance before the era of commercial hybrids. Most varieties you encounter in the modern grocery store are hybrids, bred for durability, ease of shipping, disease resistance, and aesthetics. Taste falls surprisingly low on the priority list. Who hasn’t experienced the deep disappointment of biting into a perfect red strawberry that is borderline tasteless? Sure, you might have bought that box of berries in the dead of winter — we live in a wonderland of out-of-season produce — but something ineffable is often lost along the way. In order to retain their status, heirloom plants are also open-pollinated. That means their reproduction is aided by insects, birds, or wind, not human intervention. This can mean lower yields and more uncertainty, but it’s the way humans grew food for thousands of years. Pennsylvania, in particular, has an incredible agricultural legacy that extends from indigenous tribes, through William Penn and his colonial gardens, through centuries of immigration, up to a contemporary emphasis on sustainable farming. Looking at some of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy heirloom offerings is like reading a history of the state. The varieties being stewarded by Pennsylvania’s modern-day small farmers and gardeners come from across the globe, just as Pennsylvanians do, and many different eras. Let’s spotlight — and shop! — 10 grown-in-PA heirlooms.
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
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Ralph Weaver's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl
Getting to Know PA Through its Heirloom Seeds
