In the wake of war, division, and rapid industrialization, South Korea’s countryside faced a crisis. By the late 1960s, rural poverty was deepening, farmers were abandoning their fields for the cities, and the gap between urban and rural life had never been wider. But then, a dramatic shift began. Join John and Patrick as they explore the origins and impact of the Saemaul Undong Movement - the sweeping rural development program launched by President Park Chung-Hee in the 1970s. But to understand why this movement was necessary, they first take a journey through Korea’s long and complex agricultural history, from dynastic land ownership and Japanese colonial rule to postwar land reforms and the struggle for modernization. How did centuries of social hierarchy shape Korea’s farmland? Why did colonial policies leave so many farmers dispossessed? And what led Park’s government to turn its focus back to the countryside? Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious agricultural revolutions of the 20th century. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is as much about soil as it is about politics. The fertile black earth of Ukraine—cherished by empires, fought over by nations—has been both a source of great prosperity and deep conflict. And today, as world leaders negotiate the terms of peace, the historical struggle for control over Ukraine’s agricultural bounty remains as relevant as ever. Join John and Patrick as they unearth the long and complex history of fresh produce and agriculture in shaping the geopolitics of Russia and Ukraine. From the legendary chernozem soil to Kyivan Rus, the rise of Odessa as a grain powerhouse, and Catherine the Great’s imperial ambitions, this episode explores how wheat, trade routes, and the struggle for control over food supply have influenced centuries of war, conquest, and diplomacy. With echoes of history playing out in the present, this is a story that stretches from medieval markets to modern battlefields—one where agriculture is not just a means of survival, but a tool of power. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

Chicago’s history is deeply entwined with African American migration, resilience, and food traditions. Once a key destination of the Great Migration, the city became a new home for millions seeking opportunity - bringing with them the rich culinary heritage of the South. But how did African Americans adapt to urban life when access to farmland was scarce? And how did fresh produce shape their food culture in a city built on industry? Join John and Patrick for this special bonus episode, where they welcome photographer, content creator, and 77 Flavors of Chicago podcast cohost Dario Durham (who you may also recognize from Netflix’s award-winning series High on the Hog ). Together, they explore the legacy of Chicago’s Black food culture, from its early agricultural roots to the role of markets like Maxwell Street in keeping Southern food traditions alive. What fresh produce was central to Southern cuisine, and how did Black communities source it in a rapidly growing city? How did community gardens and urban farms become a lifeline for preserving traditional foodways? And what systemic barriers limited access to fresh produce in historically marginalized neighborhoods? From iconic dishes to modern initiatives aimed at bringing fresh produce back to Black neighborhoods, this is the story of how Chicago’s food culture was shaped by migration, adaptation, and resilience. ---------- Listen to Dario Durham's podcast 77 Flavors of Chicago ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

African Americans have played an undeniable role in shaping American agriculture, yet today, they make up less than 2% of the nation’s farmers. From the rich agricultural knowledge enslaved Africans brought with them - cultivating crops like rice, okra, and yam - to the broken promise of "40 acres and a mule," Black farmers have faced generations of systemic barriers. What happened during Reconstruction that made land ownership so difficult? How did sharecropping trap so many in cycles of debt? And what role did government policies, like those of the USDA, play in pushing Black farmers off their land? As millions left the rural South for Northern cities during the Great Migration, what became of their agricultural traditions? Join John and Patrick as they sit down with culinary historian, educator, and award-winning author Michael Twitty - whose works The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul have transformed the conversation around food, identity, and history. From the Gullah Geechee people and their deep connection to African crops to the rise of urban farming as a means of reclaiming Black agricultural heritage, this special livestream episode explores the struggles, resilience, and ongoing revival of African American farming traditions. ---------- Order Michael Twitty's award-winning books: The Cooking Gene Koshersoul Follow Michael on Instagram and Threads @thecookinggene ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

After years of relentless study, George Washington Carver arrived in Alabama in 1896 with a bold vision: to transform Southern agriculture and help Black farmers break free from poverty. But what he found was a region devastated by over-farmed soil, sharecropping, and economic struggle. Joining the Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington’s leadership, Carver faced immediate resistance—from both the land and his colleagues. With a near-impossible workload and tensions mounting among faculty, his revolutionary ideas weren’t always welcomed. Yet, despite these obstacles, Carver developed innovative farming techniques, pioneered soil restoration methods, and helped create the Jesup Wagon—a mobile agricultural school that brought education directly to struggling farmers. But Carver’s impact extended far beyond Tuskegee. His unwavering passion for agriculture and his commitment to improving the lives of Black farmers earned him national recognition. His innovative research on peanuts and sweet potatoes left a profound mark on American agriculture. Join John and Patrick for the conclusion of this two-part series, as they explore how Carver’s contributions not only transformed agricultural practices in the South but also paved the way for his rise to national fame, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

George Washington Carver, born into slavery in the early 1860s, would go on to become one of the most influential figures in American agriculture. His life began in turmoil - kidnapped as an infant, raised by his former enslavers after the Civil War, and set on a path of profound curiosity and innovation. Despite immense adversity, George developed a deep connection to the land and plants, experimenting with natural solutions to help local farmers and developing a lifelong fascination with agriculture. But his journey was not an easy one. From the horrors of witnessing a lynching to being turned away from a prestigious school because of his race, Carver’s life was shaped by the cruelty and limitations of his time. Yet, through every hardship, Carver’s pursuit of knowledge and commitment to bettering his community remained unwavering. Join John and Patrick as they uncover the early years of George Washington Carver's life, his deep connection with the natural world, and his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, setting the stage for his transformative work in agricultural science and his lasting legacy in shaping modern farming practices. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter here for extra stories, book recommendations, sneak peak on future episodes and more! ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

Africa’s agricultural innovations have shaped global food systems for over 10,000 years, yet its legacy is often overshadowed by misconceptions of scarcity. This episode begins with exploring Africa’s deep-rooted contributions to agriculture, from the domestication of crops like millet, sorghum, and coffee to the continent’s vital role in feeding both its own people and the world. But this story takes a darker turn with the transatlantic slave trade, where African food systems became the backbone of a brutal enterprise. Enslaved Africans were not only sustained by African-grown crops like yams, rice, and sorghum but also carried their agricultural knowledge and even seeds to the Americas - forever shaping the diets of the New World. From the plantations of Brazil to the kitchens of the American South, the influence of African agriculture endures. Join John and Patrick as they uncover the hidden history of Africa’s food legacy, its role in the transatlantic trade, and the resilience of enslaved people who carried their traditions across the ocean. ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

For centuries, people from all walks of life have turned to gods and goddesses to ensure a bountiful harvest. The myths surrounding these deities are as diverse as they are fascinating, with stories of forbidden fruits, underworld bargains, and even gods donning flayed skins. But what common threads run through these ancient tales from distant cultures? What can these myths reveal about the societies that believed in them, and their deep ties to the land? Were these gods objects of fear, reverence, or a little of both? And do they still hold sway over modern worshippers? Join John and Patrick for this month’s livestream, where they each reveal their top five produce deities, exploring everything from Greek to Aztec mythology and beyond. ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

Julius Caesar adored it, the Catholic Church feared it, and Benjamin Franklin grumbled about it. Asparagus is a vegetable that has stirred strong emotions throughout history, yet it always finds its way back to the table. Known as the “aristocrat of the allium world,” asparagus captivated the ancient world, vanished for a time, and then made a grand reappearance during the Renaissance, symbolizing luxury and sophistication. As European explorers expanded their reach, so too did asparagus, and today it remains one of America’s most beloved vegetables—partly due to the War on Drugs. Join John and Patrick as they unravel the vegetable’s unexpected ties to emperors, poets, Impressionist painters, and even the Nazis. With a blend of science, the evolution of language, and art history, this episode delves into the fascinating story of asparagus - one of the most intriguing vegetables in history. ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

Born into a humble farming family in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter's life began with roots firmly planted in the red clay fields of the South. His early years were shaped by the rural rhythms of farm life, where peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes formed the backbone of his family's livelihood. This foundation cultivated his work ethic, character, and eventually his sense of social justice. From selling peanuts as a child to managing a struggling farm in his adult years, Carter's experiences laid the groundwork for his political career and lasting impact on both Georgia and the world. Join John and Patrick as they delve into Carter's evolution from peanut farmer to U.S. President, examining the pivotal moments that defined his life and legacy. With insights into his rural upbringing, his stand against segregation, and his unconventional rise to the White House, this episode uncovers the remarkable story of America's 39th (and last farmer) president. ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

Who were the gladiators, and how did they become iconic figures in Roman history? What roles did slaves, criminals, and even emperors play in the gladiator world? How were these fighters trained, categorized, and prepared for combat? What did gladiators eat to stay battle-ready, and why was their diet primarily vegetarian? How did a strange brew of plant ashes help them recover from injuries? In this Livestream, John and Patrick delve into the fascinating world of gladiators, exploring their mysterious origins, elaborate training, and carefully structured diets. In the immortal words of Maximus Decimus Meridius: "Are you not entertained?!" ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

The Jaffa orange, a fruit that once symbolized prosperity and collaboration, is now tied to a complex and painful history. Before the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jaffa's citrus industry was world-renowned, celebrated for its sweet, vibrant fruit. This thriving sector, cultivated by both Jewish and Arab farmers, symbolized the region's agricultural success. However, with the eruption of conflict following the United Nations' proposed partition plan, Jaffa became a flashpoint of violence. Thousands of Palestinians were displaced, and the agricultural heart of the region was shattered. The flourishing groves that once exemplified collaboration were destroyed, leaving the Jaffa orange to embody not only agricultural achievement but also political turmoil. How did the Jaffa orange, a shared symbol of Jewish-Arab harmony, transform into a powerful political emblem after the 1948 Nakba? What role did it play in the founding of Israel, and how did it shape Palestinian identity and resistance? What became of the groves, and why does the Jaffa orange continue to resonate as a symbol of loss and struggle despite the disappearance of the land that nurtured it? In the final part of this series, John and Patrick delve into the tangled legacy of the Jaffa orange, uncovering its deep ties to the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the enduring significance of this storied fruit. ----------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

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: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

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: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…

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: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com…