The Food Explorer

The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats

By: Daniel Stone

Narrated by: Daniel Stone

The true adventures of David Fairchild, a turn-of-the-century food explorer who traveled the globe and introduced diverse crops like avocados, mangoes, seedless grapes—and thousands more—to the American plate.

“Fascinating.”—The New York Times Book Review • “Fast-paced adventure writing.”—The Wall Street Journal • “Richly descriptive.”—Kirkus • “A must-read for foodies.”—HelloGiggles

In the nineteenth century, American meals were about subsistence, not enjoyment. But as a new century approached, appetites broadened, and David Fairchild, a young botanist with an insatiable lust to explore and experience the world, set out in search of foods that would enrich the American farmer and enchant the American eater.

Kale from Croatia, mangoes from India, and hops from Bavaria. Peaches from China, avocados from Chile, and pomegranates from Malta. Fairchild’s finds weren’t just limited to food: From Egypt he sent back a variety of cotton that revolutionized an industry, and via Japan he introduced the cherry blossom tree, forever brightening America’s capital. Along the way, he was arrested, caught diseases, and bargained with island tribes. But his culinary ambition came during a formative era, and through him, America transformed into the most diverse food system ever created.

“Daniel Stone draws the reader into an intriguing, seductive world, rich with stories and surprises. The Food Explorer shows you the history and drama hidden in your fruit bowl. It’s a delicious piece of writing.”—Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author of The Orchid Thief and The Library Book

Captivating

A thrilling story of a great explorer. spiced with fascinating tidbits and stories. highly recommended.

Friendship, adventure, humor, and plants

I enjoyed this book so much that I almost shed a tear when it ended. As we drove around Puerto Rico contemplating a farm of our own this was the perfect tale to inspire us. David Fairchild had an amazing life, And this book would have made him proud.

Captivating

what an amazing story about where we got all our amazing food and plant varieties to America!

This book is an eye opener !

Never gave a thought to where our fruits come from. I just assumed they were here already. Just found out that it took very adventurous people to roam the wide world looking for amazing fruit and produce.

A brilliant journey into unknown American history

This book is delightful because it explores a whole history, nearly unknown and unsung before, that of our panoply of luxurious fruit and vegetables and how they came here when America was a heavy bread and meat only country.
David Fairchild, an explorer every bit as intrepid ad Edmund Hillary or Lewis and Clarke, brought our young country great beauty, cherry trees from Japan and enormous nourishment from every corner of the world.
The book’s effect on the listener is both terrific adventure with the sure promise of discovery and satisfaction that anyone trolling the aisles of Whole Foods or a good farmers market can attest today.
Usually authors are dreadful readers but this one is a winner.