About this item
Highlights
- How the Golden State's favorite fruit conquered the world.
- About the Author: Rob Crisell grew up in Fallbrook, California, in the heart of a three-acre avocado grove.
- 192 Pages
- History, United States
- Series Name: American Palate
Description
Book Synopsis
How the Golden State's favorite fruit conquered the world.
When avocados first arrived from Mexico in the early 1800s, few Americans knew what to make of them. Intrepid settlers in California were among the first to embrace the savory green fruit, sparking a century-long love affair that transformed the state into "Avocado Land." From battling over the best avocado varieties to coaxing the public into trying the fruit by devising delicious recipes, Golden State growers created a global phenomenon.
Author Rob Crisell explores how California's favorite fruit became one of the most famous and iconic foods of the twenty-first century.
Review Quotes
How one state's favorite fruit conquered the world
"Following months of interviews and strenuous research, San Diego County resident Rob Crisell has written a comprehensive history book about avocados in California, titled "California Avocado: A Delicious History," which will hit shelves Nov. 5."
Jun Starkey, Coastal View
This is a wonderful, flawlessly produced book about the nutritious Super Food. The text is written with clarity and deep insight. Wonderful vintage and contemporary photographs are interspersed throughout as are recipes that indulge the reader's taste buds. So many fascinating topics are woven into this rich fabric of California social, cultural, and economic history. Some examples of questions answered are: In what countries was the avocado discovered and bred? What are the differences between Haas, Fuerte, Luna, and GEM varieties? What did the health guru John Harvey Kellogg think of the avocado? Why did Hollywood movie director Frank Capra consider the avocado an air-to-ground missile? Who are some celebrity avocado growers? How does one grow an avocado tree and are avocado trees prone to pests or root rot? Is the avocado an aphrodisiac? How has the avocado fared under the Quarantine Act of 1951 and NAFTA in 1997 and the USMCA in 2020? Are cartels in Mexico involved in the avocado industry and do they pose a threat to the avocado grower in California? The author is to be commended for his thoroughgoing research and illuminating interviews with so many key figures involved with the growth and promotion of the avocado industry in the past century.-Jake Milgram Wien: Award-winning scholar, cultural historian, and independent curator Jake Milgram Wien is the author of "Paul Landacre: California Hills, Hollywood & The World Beyond. A Catalogue Raisonne""Crisell told the VCReporter his own tastes for dishes made with avocados have evolved from the time he remembers eating them as a child. At first, he only loved guacamole, but today finds himself likely to prepare avocados in more unusual ways.
"My mom was the cook. Our number one dish was avocados and grapefruit, which turns out to be a very old historical dish, probably going back into the 1800s. It's just a good pairing, you wouldn't think so," he said.
In addition to fascinating history, old photographs and colorful illustrations, Crisell's new book also includes 12 recipes."
Alex Wilson, VC Reporter
"The focus of our conversation is Rob's newest book is California Avocados: A Delicious History, a fantastic exploration of avos rich and vibrant history. "
History of California Podcast
About the Author
Rob Crisell grew up in Fallbrook, California, in the heart of a three-acre avocado grove. After a career in publishing, Rob is now a writer, actor, teacher and winemaker. Most recently, he is the author of Temecula Valley Wineries and The Fantastic Fables of Aesop. He has written several other works for adults and children. He earned his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his law degree from George Mason School of Law. Rob and his wife live in Temecula, California.
