Apple Dryer: Preserving the Harvest
Apple Dryer
61.9.22
19th Century
Material: Wood
Description
Handmade in the 19th century, an apple dryer like this was not something you could buy at a general store. Instead, it was a practical, home-crafted tool used by families to preserve food.
While apples were the primary fruit dried on this device, pears, peaches, and plums could also be impaled on the spikes and left to dry, ensuring that nutritious fruit could be enjoyed throughout the harsh Canadian winters.
Fun Fact!
Apples in the 19th century were hardier than the varieties we have today and thrived across Ontario and other provinces. Fresh apples were considered a luxury, so farmers often made applesauce, apple butter, or cider from their harvest. Much of the crop was preserved for winter use, ensuring the family had sustenance during the cold months.