00:06This is one of the world's most wildly grown and consumed fruits. Apples have inspired myths and
00:11legends and even become a symbol of tech companies. But did you know that the story
00:15of the modern apple begins in Kazakhstan? Join this episode of Modern Nomads as we
00:20explore how this fruit made its way from the wild forests of Central Asia to tables around the world.
00:30There are more than 7,000 apple varieties in the world, each with its own taste,
00:35color, size, and shape. But in Kazakhstan there is a saying that apples grown more
00:39than a thousand meters above the sea level have a unique taste and there is a
00:43reason for that. An apple is 25% air so the mountain climate helps the fruit grow
00:49firmer, crisper, and sweeter. Welcome to the birthplace of apples. Welcome to Modern Nomads.
01:00Scientists believe Severs apple, named after Johan Severs, who discovered it in 1796, is one of the main ancestors of
01:07the apples we know today.
01:08It grows wild in the Tanshan mountains of Kazakhstan, where ancient apple forests still survive.
01:14In the 30th century, the territory of Kazakhstan has been shown that the territory of Kazakhstan is one of the
01:19main
01:29unique species of apples. Birds and animals spread the apple seeds through the mountains, and later people
01:47began trading them along the Silk Road. So we travelled to the border between Kazakhstan and China to see
01:53the unique apple forests first-hand.
02:00We witnessed one of Kazakhstan's most beautiful natural sites. In spring, the Djungarian Alatau Mountains
02:06come alive with blooming trees covering the slopes in vibrant colors.
02:10The Djungarian Alatau Mountains are home to almost half of the planet's wild Severs apple. In spring,
02:17these landscape turns into a magnet for visitors coming here to witness the striking bloom of the apple trees.
02:30The annual apple blossom has become a local festival in the Jutsu region with traditional food and national games.
02:37The Djungarian Alatau Mountains has become a local plant in the Jutsu region.
02:56Beyond its unique wild apple forests, southern Kazakhstan is home to a city named after the fruit.
03:03Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city and the former capital.
03:07In Kazakh, Alma means apple, while Almaty means full of apples.
03:11And we arrived here in autumn, just in time for city celebrations and the apple harvest.
03:17The apple is part of the city's character, murals, architecture and even the metro station.
03:23You can see it across the city.
03:30It is hard to imagine Almaty without the apport, the apple, that became a symbol of the city.
03:35The apport is, unlike the Sivers, which is a growing breed,
03:40the apport is a product of selection, which is made by human hands.
03:59The apple orchards have become a popular destination for visitors across the country.
04:04We met Suleiman Julfaev and his family who have been growing apples here for almost 20 years.
04:36The apple has traveled through countries in generations.
04:39But the truth remains in Kazakhstan with its own traditions.
04:42Every autumn, local farmers bring their harvest to Almaty for a Grand Apple Festival.
04:47And this year, 200 tons of apple filled the fair.
04:51Here, the apple is more than just fruit. It's part of the country's culture.
04:55What do you like?
04:59Let's see you all in the world.
