The spread of fruit throughout the United States, and especially into the Midwest is a result, not only of our own actions, but also of the complex social and biological relationships we, as humans have with so-called 'domesticated' crops. This relationship includes not only our dependence upon plants, but also agricultural plants' dependence on human action. This symbiotic interaction between humans and our crops has produced tremendous evolutionary advantages for all concerned, positioning people and their 'domesticated' crops among the most successful of all species.

Agriculture and species domestication have been traditionally viewed as ways of conquering nature, by bending it to our will and making its productive capacity directly available to us. Throughout the expansion of modern civilization we've brought our favorite plants with us- to make new lands feel more like home, provide a sense of security, and fulfill our biological desires.

In Minnesota, the harsh climate has presented a challenge to the symbiotic relationship of plants and humans- when plants upon which we rely are unable to grow, their absence compels us to action. Even when basic human needs are met, our biological desires drive us to seek out those plants that we find pleasurable (Pollan). Here I wish to discuss specifically the desire for both sweetness and intoxication as they relate to the introduction and evolution of the apple and grape in Minnesota. I’ve chosen these two fruits to study because the stories of their introduction, while also being interesting, serve to highlight our quest to fulfill our desires, and the plants’ abilities to shape our behavior.

By examining this history of the apple and grape, this website seeks to explore the interactions between plants an people and provide insight into the biological, sociological and evolutionary influences which have fueled Minnesota fruit agriculture, and hopefully expand the understanding of our place in the ecosystem.