## Introduction

As American consumers continue to enjoy the sweet, crisp bite of their favorite apples, a grave concern lurks beneath the surface of this beloved fruit. While the apple industry thrives, it is alarmingly concentrated around just a handful of popular varieties—15 apples account for an astounding 90 percent of the market. The risk of losing diversity in apple cultivation poses a significant threat not only to farmers but also to the rich tapestry of flavors and histories that the...