“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.

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.

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@historyoffreshproduce

Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

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.

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.

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@historyoffreshproduce

Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

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.

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.

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@historyoffreshproduce

Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com