In 1850, there were 10,000 known varieties of apples in Maine. On every farm and homestead they were eaten fresh and used for cooking, drying and for making hard cider. Today, only a handful of apples are commonly available in grocery stores. The Downeast Heirloom Apple Week, held from Oct 1-9, hopes to remind people of the taste, history and importance of a diversity of this fruit.

The event is sponsored by a …