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 19th 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 best-selling author of The Orchid Thief and The Library Book)

©2018 Daniel Stone (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Daniel Stone brings a forgotten era of American food back to the table.... Stone brings drama, humor, and perspective.” (Associated Press)

“Mr. Stone is an amiable narrator who balances botany, culinary history, and travelogue with fast-paced adventure writing and a well-drawn cast of characters.” (The Wall Street Journal)

“Foodies and scientists alike will appreciate Stone’s informative and entertaining book.” (Publishers Weekly)

My favorite story out of tens of thousands

this book is an incredible testimony of what one human being can do in their lifetime to bring beauty and nourishment and meaning to the world and the eco system.
I am so very happy this book was written and even more so that it is in audible

I have long read tiny bits here and there of David Fairchild and as aplant centered person an d photographer myself I value this type of book above all else. As a biography it stands well above the others and it has meaning and purpose at its core...I treasure it in my library and have told hundreds of friends to get it and also to go to the Fairchild Gardens in Coconut Grove.

Thank you Daniel Stone..The narration is fantastic as well.
Bravo! 100 stars!!!
At this point in our evolutionary history on a planet racked by decimation of species this stands out as an example of what we as individuals can do to change the challenging path we are on as a species and a society and as an ecology.

Fascinating

wish my high school history teacher had read this to spice up class a bit

Engaging

Great read for anyone who wants to learn where our food comes from. Awesome book!

Who would have thought it would be such a fascinating story?

The kinds of plants and the countries they came from and the adventures and dangers acquiring them, the wonderful research for the book and devotion of the ones (especially Fairchild) who searched out those plants and helped the economics of the United States with new crops.

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.

slow to start but fascinating

I've often wondered about the variety of food we eat, where it came from, what's the healthiest, are there more that we don't have here in the US? This gives.me a better idea of all those things. Yep, there's more, quinoa and kale are the healthiest, and it was brought here by a persistent scientist and explorer Fairchild. The book was slow to start for me; too much psychology and history of the benefactor Lathrop, and it seemed to jump around a bit, but by the end of Part II, it became more interesting. Definitely worth persevering.