In Oregon’s Hood River Valley, this Japanese American family has grown apples for more than a century

In the fruit orchards of the Hood River Valley, spring means rolling fields blanketed with blossoms and a view of Mount Hood that looks so close you could reach out and touch it. And at the Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Parkdale, the apples are beginning to grow. The family-owned farm was once called the best apple orchard in America, and is known for its wide selection of 125 apple varieties. The family also has an incredible local history dating back three generations, to when a vibrant community of Japanese American orchardists established itself in the Hood River Valley in the early 20th century. The Kiyokawas have worked as fruit orchardists in the area since 1911. They’re also one of the few Japanese American families from the valley that was able to return and work the land after surviving forced relocation and incarceration during World War II.   Video producer and cinematographer Jeff Kastner and his family have been eating the Kiyokawas’ apples for years, and followed the family last year for a full growing season. He recently shared their story for OPB’s “Oregon Experience” and “Superabundant” series. This week, we head out onto the farm with owner and third-generation orchardist Randy Kiyokawa, meet the family’s 101-year-old matriarch Mich, and learn all about how the Kiyokawas created an apple paradise in the shadow of Mount Hood.   For more Evergreen episodes and to share your voice with us, visit our showpage. Follow OPB on Instagram, and follow host Jenn Chávez too. You can sign up for OPB’s newsletters to get what you need in your inbox regularly.   Don’t forget to check out our many podcasts, which can be found on any of your favorite podcast apps: Hush Timber Wars Season 2: Salmon Wars Politics Now Think Out Loud And many more! Check out our full show list here.