The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce and Obsession

Author: Adam Leith Gollner. Gollner takes us on a journey through the world of fruit, a world full of myth and lore, long-ago expeditions into new worlds, and the cultural importance fruits have all over the world. Hundreds of humorous anecdotes and history tidbits are interspersed with his descriptions of fruits many have never seen or tasted before, such as the miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) that changes sour tastes to sweet and a dragon fruit from Vietnam with a pink rind and zebra-striped flesh. Along the way, Gollner introduces us to the “fruit hunters,” people who are so passionate about fruits and what they can do for the world, that they have devoted their lives to studying them around the globe and trying to introduce them to new markets. Among the great fruit hunters mentioned are David Fairchild, William Whitman, and Dr. Richard Campbell (Fairchild's Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit). Hardcover.

The author will be signing books during Fairchild's International Mango Festival on July 12-13, 2008.

Click here to learn more about Fairchild's International Mango Festival.