Episodes
-
Nuts have been symbols of faith, fortune, and fertility for centuries, and their deep-rooted significance can still be felt today during Christmas celebrations. From their connection to Christian symbolism to their role in medieval mystery plays, these humble gifts have held profound meanings throughout history.
Why were hazelnuts, chestnuts, and walnuts so prominent in holiday traditions across Europe? How did Julian of Norwich's mystical visions connect the hazelnut to divine creation? And why have nutcrackers become so iconic during the festive season?
Join John and Patrick in this special Christmas episode as they delve into the symbolic layers of these beloved nuts, exploring their place in religious art, medieval culture, and modern holiday traditions.
-----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In the early 20th century, the thriving citrus industry of Palestine became a complex backdrop for political tensions and shifting power dynamics.
As the British Mandate took control, Jewish and Arab communities navigated a shared landscape of cooperation, competition, and rising nationalism. The Jaffa orange, once a symbol of prosperity, became a key player in this evolving story, symbolizing both economic success and the deepening rifts between communities.
What role did the British Mandate play in shaping the citrus industry? How did the Jaffa orange become a symbol of political identity for both Arabs and Jews? And what were the surprising moments of collaboration and competition between these two communities?
Join John and Patrick as they explore the fascinating intersection of citrus cultivation, nationalism, and the complex history of Jaffa during the British Mandate.
-----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Jaffa, known to the ancient Canaanites as "Yafi," meaning “gorgeous,” is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its history is as rich as the citrus groves that would later define it. From its days as a bustling trade hub under the Egyptians and Israelites to its transformation into a cultural and agricultural powerhouse under Ottoman rule, Jaffa’s story intertwines the rise of empires with the cultivation of a simple yet extraordinary fruit: the orange.
How did Jaffa oranges outshine their Spanish and Italian competitors to grace royal tables across Europe? What role did a German religious movement and Arab farmers play in revolutionizing citrus farming? And how did the shared citrus heritage of Arabs and Jews evolve into both a symbol of unity and a source of contention?
Join John and Patrick in the first episode of our three part series on the Israel-Palestine conflict, as they explore the captivating journey of Jaffa oranges and their enduring impact on culture, trade, and the legacy of a city that has stood at the crossroads of history.
-----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
"[This college] was not established to serve or to magnify Cornell University. It belongs to the people of the state. The farmers of the state have secured it. Their influence has placed it here... If there is any man standing on the land, unattached, uncontrolled, who feels that he has disadvantages and a problem, this College of Agriculture stands for that man." – Liberty Hyde Bailey
In 1868, as the nation still felt the aftershocks of the American Civil War, a small town in the rolling hills of upstate New York became the cradle of a groundbreaking vision. In Ithaca, on a modest farm, an institution was born - one that would go on to revolutionize agriculture and the fresh produce industry, leaving a lasting impact on the United States and the world.
Who were Ezra Cornell and Andrew White, the visionaries behind this ambitious endeavor? How did their bold ideas and the Morrill Land-Grant Act transform a farm into a university with a mission to reshape agriculture?
What role did Liberty Hyde Bailey play in establishing Cornell as a leader in agricultural innovation? How did the university’s experiment stations and the Cornell Cooperative Extension spread cutting-edge techniques across the globe? What was the significance of the Cornell-Nanking project, and how did Cornell’s plant breeding programs produce iconic crops like the Empire apple and Concord grape?
Looking ahead, how will Cornell continue to drive the evolution of agriculture in the years to come?
Join John, Patrick, and special guest Corey Ryan Earle of Cornell University as they explore the rich history of this esteemed institution and its extraordinary contributions to agriculture and fresh produce.
---------------------------------------------
Visit the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS): https://cals.cornell.edu/
Apply for the Executive Leadership Development Program at Cornell, March 23-27, 2025: https://www.freshproduce.com/events/executive-leadership-development-program-at-cornell-university/
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Dinosaurs and fresh produce? It might sound unusual, but the connection between prehistoric plants and ancient giants is stronger than you think.
In this episode, Patrick and John explore the fascinating history of ancient plants like cycads, ginkgoes, and conifers, and how they relied on dinosaurs for seed dispersal. Discover how the rise of flowering plants transformed ecosystems during the Cretaceous period and the surprising role of herbivorous dinosaurs in shaping the evolution of fruit as we know it.
From Mesozoic megafauna to the enduring legacy of "living fossils," this journey through Earth's prehistoric past will change the way you think about fresh produce!
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
The British are determined to secure control over the spice-rich island of Run in the Banda Islands. To do so, they need a strong, capable leader, and they find this in East India Company officer Nathaniel Courthope.
As the Dutch intensify their efforts to seize Run, Courthope confronts formidable obstacles, from building defenses to managing dwindling food supplies and the loss of British ships. Amid fierce battles, grueling conditions for British prisoners, and Courthope’s desperate attempts to hold out as supplies run low, the struggle escalates.
From assassinations to shifting alliances, the political fallout of the spice trade wars are immense. How will Britain respond when Run is lost to the Dutch? What events led to the brutal Massacre of Amboyna? And how did the English ultimately break the Dutch monopoly on nutmeg?
Join John and special guest Giles Milton for the gripping conclusion of this tale of adventure, betrayal, and the fight for control over one of the world's most coveted spices.
Order the special 25th anniversary copy of Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton here.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
"Nutmeg, the seed of the tree, was the most coveted luxury in seventeenth-century Europe, a spice held to have such powerful medicinal properties that men would risk their lives to acquire it." - Giles Milton, Nathaniel's Nutmeg
In the seventeenth century, a fierce rivalry emerged between the British and the Dutch in the East Indies over the lucrative spice trade. Nutmeg, a rare and highly prized spice native to the Banda Islands, fueled the establishment and rapid expansion of both the British and Dutch East India Companies, each determined to control the trade.
Reaching these distant islands was perilous, with expeditions facing violent storms, outbreaks of disease, unfamiliar cultures, and the constant threat of piracy. Despite these challenges, both powers were relentless in their pursuit of nutmeg.
With the Dutch securing an early foothold in the region and equipped with a more formidable fleet, they were intent on eliminating British influence to establish a global monopoly on nutmeg. But could they achieve their goal? Or would the British hold on against the odds—and at what cost?
Join John and special guest Giles Milton in the first episode of our two-part series on the spice trade wars as they delve into how a single spice from a group of remote Pacific islands would shape the course of world history.
Order the special 25th anniversary copy of Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton here.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this episode, we delve into the complex tapestry of Salem's early years, exploring how agricultural life intertwined with rising tensions that ultimately led to the infamous witch trials.
Join John and Patrick as they recount the arrival of Puritan settlers in 1626 and the ensuing rivalry between the wealthy Porter and conservative Putnam families. Discover how economic disparities, religious fervor, and environmental factors—including the role of contaminated crops—created a fertile ground for hysteria.
As we uncover the darker implications of daily life in Salem, we reveal how fresh produce not only sustained the community but also became a symbol of fear and division.
Tune in for a deep dive into one of America’s most haunting historical episodes, where food and fear were inextricably linked.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
"Coca-Cola is Atlanta, and Atlanta is Coca-Cola." - Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young
In our first ever, live in-person event, John and Patrick dive deep into the intriguing history of Coca-Cola, exploring its unexpected ties to fresh produce.
Discover how John Pemberton, a pharmacist with a penchant for herbal remedies, transformed his initial concoction of coca-infused wine into the iconic soft drink we know today. Our hosts trace the origins of coca leaves and kola nuts, and their roles in Coca-Cola’s formulation, alongside the societal shifts that shaped its recipe over the years.
From the Civil War to the temperance movement, and the complex legacy of caffeine and cocaine, join John and Patrick as they unravel the fascinating journey of Coca-Cola, revealing how fresh produce and historical events intertwined to create a global phenomenon.
This episode was sponsored by the International Fresh Produce Association for the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Join John and Patrick as they embark on a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural significance of one of the world's most adored fruits—the mango.
From its ancient roots in North-East India and its spiritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism to its role in diplomacy and myth, the mango’s story is as sweet and complex as the fruit itself.
Discover how the mango spread globally, from India to Europe and the Americas, shaping cultures and palates across centuries. Along the way, you'll hear tales of Mughal emperors, explorers, and farmers who helped the mango flourish in new lands.
Join us for a vibrant exploration of how the mango has transcended borders and time, becoming a beloved fruit around the world.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Each year millions of Americans spend their autumn days picking apples from the many orchards that dot the country. But why? And when did this tradition start?
In this livestream episode, we explore the fascinating history of apple picking in America, tracing its journey from the introduction of apples by early European settlers to the rise of today’s popular you-pick orchards.
Join Patrick and John as they delve into the apple’s transformation from a colonial staple used primarily for cider to a symbol of American autumn traditions.
Learn how industrialization, agritourism, and the birth of you-pick farms shaped the modern apple-picking experience, and uncover the hidden costs behind the labor that brings apples from the orchard to your hands.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the life and legacy of Henry Flagler, focusing on his transformative role in shaping Florida’s fresh produce industry. Following up on part one, which explored Flagler's rise from grain merchant to Standard Oil powerhouse, we now turn our attention to his ambitious projects in Florida.
Join John and Patrick as they uncover the stories behind the founding of towns like Pompano Beach and Hastings, the rise of Florida’s fresh produce industry, and Flagler’s ambitious railway extension to Key West. From devastating freezes that shifted the state’s citrus belt to Flagler’s innovative farming ventures, this episode paints a vivid picture of how one man’s vision helped shape modern Florida.
Don’t miss the fascinating history of Flagler’s railroads and their lasting impact on Florida’s agriculture.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
“I did not form a very favorable first impression, I must admit. I came here from Jacksonville by way of the river and the Tocoi railway and got here just at night. The accommodation was very bad and most of the visitors here were consumptives. I didn’t like it, and took the first train back to Jacksonville.”
While Henry Flagler’s initial impression of St. Augustine, Florida, was far from glowing, he would go on to be the driving force behind transforming the state into the agricultural and economic powerhouse it is today.
In part one of this new series, John and Patrick dive into the remarkable story of Henry Flagler, the man whose vision and investments helped transform Florida into the state we know today. Discover Flagler’s humble beginnings, his rise to prominence with Standard Oil, and his first encounters with Florida’s untapped potential. As our hosts take you through Flagler’s journey, they also explore the rich agricultural history of 19th-century Florida, including the booming citrus industry that laid the groundwork for his transformative work.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
At its height, the Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, initially forged under the leadership of Genghis Khan. Spanning from 1206 to 1368, it extended across much of Eurasia, fueled by advanced technology and a formidable force of nomadic warriors. The Mongol Empire's influence was profound, leaving a lasting legacy that even reached the world of fresh produce.
In this episode, John is joined by special guest Dr. Marie Favereau, a leading expert on the Mongols and the Golden Horde, to explore the intriguing impact of the Mongol Empire on agriculture and fresh produce.
How did an empire led by pastoralists manage its agricultural territories? What role did the Silk Road play in the exchange of crops and the spread of key agricultural techniques? Did the Mongols even enjoy fresh produce? And what traces of their influence can still be seen in agriculture today?
Tune in to uncover the surprising ways the Mongols shaped the world of fresh produce and agriculture.
Order your copy of Dr. Favereau's book The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this live-stream, John and Patrick follow up the week's earlier episode with a summary of their visit to America's oldest Botanical Garden. Bartram's Garden is a 50-acre public garden and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, situated on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Founded in 1728 by botanist John Bartram (1699–1777), it is the oldest botanical garden to survive in North America. Join us in this episode for a walk through history.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this episode, John and Patrick take a trip to the historic Bartram’s Garden, where they are joined by special guest Mandy Katz, Lead Gardener at Bartram’s Garden. Together, they explore the legacy of renowned botanist John Bartram, whose pioneering work in horticulture laid the foundation for America’s botanical heritage.
Mandy shares insights into the fascinating history of the garden, its connection to fresh produce, and how it has evolved since its founding in the 18th century.
Whether you're a history buff, a gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about this historic site, this episode offers a captivating look at one of America's most cherished gardens.
Visit Bartram's Garden: https://www.bartramsgarden.org/
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Join John and Patrick as they dive into the rich, agricultural tapestry of Middle-earth in this episode focused on the symbolic significance of fresh produce and farming in Tolkien’s world.
Explore how the idyllic Shire, with its abundance of gardens and homegrown foods, contrasts with the industrial blight of Isengard and the barren wastelands of Mordor. Through these contrasts, Tolkien reveals deeper themes about the battle between good and evil, and the moral compass of Middle-earth’s inhabitants.
We’ll also uncover how Tolkien’s own life experiences shaped these landscapes and delve into the surprising connections between iconic scenes and simple, everyday vegetables.
Whether you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or The Rings of Power, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how food and farming are central to the moral fabric of Tolkien’s universe.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In the final episode of this Olympics marathon, John and Patrick share the story of the Delano grape strike. During the early 20th century, Filipino and Mexican immigrants arrived in America seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. Many found themselves laboring on farms along the Western seaboard, often with little care given to their health and working conditions. However, the actions of two men—one Filipino-American and the other Mexican-American— would lead a movement that would change the agricultural landscape of America forever.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In today's episode, John and Patrick discuss the disruptive impact of British colonization on Kenya and its agricultural landscape. Kenyan farmers and communities faced immense hardships, from having their lands appropriated to being restricted on what crops they could grow.
As tensions boil over following the Second World War, leading to open rebellion, the big questions emerge: Will Kenyans reclaim their ancestral lands, or will the British manage to suppress the uprising and hold their ground? And how has this historic conflict shaped modern-day Kenya? Tune in to find out!
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Join John and Patrick as they unravel the captivating journey of coffee in Brazil, from its clandestine introduction in the 18th century to its explosive rise as a global powerhouse. Discover how coffee's rise redefined Brazil’s agricultural landscape, influenced global trade, and fueled social change, all while navigating the tumultuous impacts of slavery and economic upheavals.
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
- Montre plus
