Episode 4

Writer Pete Brown follows the cycle of an apple orchard's year to better understand the hand-in-hand history of humanity and our most familiar fruit. From its origins in Kazakhstan, its spread along the old spice roads and into mythology, the apple is now an all-year round supermarket staple.

As the season turns from autumn to winter, Pete discovers the importance of cold dry weather and dormancy in the life cycle of an apple tree; then travels to Herefordshire to learn the careful art of tree pruning.

Written and read by Pete Brown

Abridged by Laurence Wareing

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.