Get Your Free Audiobook

  • The Food Explorer

  • The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats
  • Written by: Daniel Stone
  • Narrated by: Daniel Stone
  • Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Prime logo New to Audible Prime Member exclusive:
2 credits with free trial
1 credit a month to use on any title to download and keep
Listen to anything from the Plus Catalogue—thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts and audiobooks
Download titles to your library and listen offline
₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.
The Food Explorer cover art

The Food Explorer

Written by: Daniel Stone
Narrated by: Daniel Stone
Free with 30-day trial

₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for ₹1,005.00

Buy Now for ₹1,005.00

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice.

Publisher's Summary

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)

What listeners say about The Food Explorer

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.