Roughly a year ago, a Colorado couple found a species of fruit on a tree near Cañon City that was long believed to be extinct. With the help of their non-profit, Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, they’ve been able to produce trees that they’re now auctioning off to help grow and preserve this endangered plant species. The name of the fruit the trees produce? An apple dubbed the Colorado Orange.
An apple that was popular in the 1800s as a winter fruit, the flavor of the Colorado Orange grows more complex over time, known for a hint of citrus flavor. Unfortunately, the apple fell out of popularity due to other varieties of apples becoming more popular – specifically, the brightly colored Red Delicious. Eventually, the Colorado Orange grew so sparse that it was considered extinct.
Those with a green thumb (or enough money) will now have the chance to participate in the comeback of this unique fruit.
Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project is hosting five auctions for five trees. Bidding starts at $100, but the price of the first tree climbed to $2,020 before it was sold on October 3 to someone in Kansas. Continue reading at The Denver Gazette…
By Spencer McKee | Oct 6, 2020