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Avocado Anxiety: and Other Stories About Where Your Food Comes From
The food stories behind your favourite fruits and vegetables.
Have you ever wondered who picked your Fairtrade banana? Or why we can buy British strawberries in April? How far do you think your green beans travelled to get to your plate? And where do all the wonky carrots go? Above all, how do we stop worrying about our food choices and start making decisions that make a difference?
In an effort to make sense of the complex food system we are all part of, Louise Gray decides to track the stories of our five-a-day from farm to fruit bowl, and discover the impact that growing fruits and vegetables has on the planet.
Through visits to farms, interviews with scientists and trying to grow her own, she digs up the dirt behind organic potatoes, greenhouse tomatoes and a glut of courgettes.
In each chapter, Louise answers a question about a familiar item in our shopping basket. Is plant protein as good as meat? Is foraged food more nutritious? Could bees be the answer to using fewer chemicals? How do we save genetic diversity in our apples? Are digital apps the key to reducing food waste? Is gardening good for mental health? And is the symbol of clean eating, the avocado, fuelling the climate crisis?
As pressure grows via social media to post pictures of food that ticks all the boxes in terms of health and the environment, these food stories from the author of the award-winning The Ethical Carnivore are also a personal story of motherhood and the realisation that nothing is ever perfect.
Have you ever wondered who picked your Fairtrade banana? Or why we can buy British strawberries in April? How far do you think your green beans travelled to get to your plate? And where do all the wonky carrots go? Above all, how do we stop worrying about our food choices and start making decisions that make a difference?
In an effort to make sense of the complex food system we are all part of, Louise Gray decides to track the stories of our five-a-day from farm to fruit bowl, and discover the impact that growing fruits and vegetables has on the planet.
Through visits to farms, interviews with scientists and trying to grow her own, she digs up the dirt behind organic potatoes, greenhouse tomatoes and a glut of courgettes.
In each chapter, Louise answers a question about a familiar item in our shopping basket. Is plant protein as good as meat? Is foraged food more nutritious? Could bees be the answer to using fewer chemicals? How do we save genetic diversity in our apples? Are digital apps the key to reducing food waste? Is gardening good for mental health? And is the symbol of clean eating, the avocado, fuelling the climate crisis?
As pressure grows via social media to post pictures of food that ticks all the boxes in terms of health and the environment, these food stories from the author of the award-winning The Ethical Carnivore are also a personal story of motherhood and the realisation that nothing is ever perfect.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
31 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 21, 2023
Всеки плод и зеленчук, отгледан извън страната на консуматора и извън обичайния си сезон, има цена, която често не е калкулирана в касовия бон.
Дали ще е количеството усвоен азотен тор (залял пазара слвд втората световна война, когато производителите на боеприпаси намират мирно приложение на един от производствените си процеси с азот). Дали ще са изчезналите червеи в почвата (които я обогатяват) или намалялата популация песнопойнн славеи (губещи местообитанията си). Дали ще е така модерният напоследък въглероден отпечатък. Дали ще е почти робският труд в банановите плантации (бананът е разработен като индустриален плод от момчетата от мафията) и изсечените дъждовни гори за плантациите. Или изтощаването и ерозирането на нищожната част от земната повърхност, покрита с тънък слой добра почва, непревзета от океани, пустини или индустриализацията. Всяка магия идва с цената си.
Така че местните и сезонни плодове и зеленчуци всъщност са незаменими, както знаят и бабите ни, и както е предимно убедена и авторката. Само дето не са много фермерите в световен мащаб, които отглеждат марулите си автоматизирано (от засаждането до прибирането). А са повече случаите като този с “Теско”, който под завънка местна английска фермерска марка невъзмутимо продава вносни продукти.
Луиз Грей е обиколила доста британски ферми и е събрала прилично количество любопитни и дори ценни факти, като например за ползата от индустриално развъжданите и търгувани земни пчели за оранжериите като естествена “помощ” в отглеждането на домати. Както и за много от вредите на интензивното земеделие.
Нищо кой знае колко ново няма в “портретите” на подбраните в книгата зеленчуци. По-скоро има едно добро напомняне на основни положения. Това, което ме издразни, е че то е изцяло за британска публика - извън Острова просто не звучи нито особено актуално за някои параметри, нито дори кой знае колко интригуващо на моменти предвид любимите британски храни. Неприятното отклонение в разни лични случки, които само разсейват вниманието, също не спомага особено за повишаване на образователната стойност на материалите. Но като цяло - нелошо напомняне какво (бихме могли да) слагаме на масата, макар не всички да разполагат с информацията на конкретно британския потребител или със световната висша мода на земеделските методи и оборудване.
2,5⭐️
Дали ще е количеството усвоен азотен тор (залял пазара слвд втората световна война, когато производителите на боеприпаси намират мирно приложение на един от производствените си процеси с азот). Дали ще са изчезналите червеи в почвата (които я обогатяват) или намалялата популация песнопойнн славеи (губещи местообитанията си). Дали ще е така модерният напоследък въглероден отпечатък. Дали ще е почти робският труд в банановите плантации (бананът е разработен като индустриален плод от момчетата от мафията) и изсечените дъждовни гори за плантациите. Или изтощаването и ерозирането на нищожната част от земната повърхност, покрита с тънък слой добра почва, непревзета от океани, пустини или индустриализацията. Всяка магия идва с цената си.
Така че местните и сезонни плодове и зеленчуци всъщност са незаменими, както знаят и бабите ни, и както е предимно убедена и авторката. Само дето не са много фермерите в световен мащаб, които отглеждат марулите си автоматизирано (от засаждането до прибирането). А са повече случаите като този с “Теско”, който под завънка местна английска фермерска марка невъзмутимо продава вносни продукти.
Луиз Грей е обиколила доста британски ферми и е събрала прилично количество любопитни и дори ценни факти, като например за ползата от индустриално развъжданите и търгувани земни пчели за оранжериите като естествена “помощ” в отглеждането на домати. Както и за много от вредите на интензивното земеделие.
Нищо кой знае колко ново няма в “портретите” на подбраните в книгата зеленчуци. По-скоро има едно добро напомняне на основни положения. Това, което ме издразни, е че то е изцяло за британска публика - извън Острова просто не звучи нито особено актуално за някои параметри, нито дори кой знае колко интригуващо на моменти предвид любимите британски храни. Неприятното отклонение в разни лични случки, които само разсейват вниманието, също не спомага особено за повишаване на образователната стойност на материалите. Но като цяло - нелошо напомняне какво (бихме могли да) слагаме на масата, макар не всички да разполагат с информацията на конкретно британския потребител или със световната висша мода на земеделските методи и оборудване.
2,5⭐️
January 16, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
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As somebody who tries to eat locally and seasonally and plant-based when I can, the concept of this book immediately intrigued me. Each chapter focuses on a different fruit or vegetable and dives into some of the particulars about where it comes from, both locally (to the UK) and abroad. While the book does touch upon other countries, briefly, the very extreme focus is on the UK, which I hadn't realized when I picked it up. Being from the USA, where *so* many books are centered, I cannot fault the author for focusing on where she lives, but I do think a lot of the book did end up feeling a little inaccessible. While, of course, many of the topics covered can apply more broadly, there were so many references to things that felt hyper-specific to the UK--foraging in hedgerows, the British tradition of orchards, etc--that it made me feel less invested and connected to the content. I do wish the blurb made the British/UK focus a lot clearer. Beyond that, the stories did sometimes feel a little unconnected and scattered--I was left with the feeling of a broad and shallow coverage of many topics, but the direction to me never felt entirely clear or distinct. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the broader message of the book was supposed to be--it felt sometimes like the author was saying we're all doing the best we can, and sometimes saying we all need to do better, and I just think the author needed a stronger team of editors to help her hone in on the ultimate narrative thrust of her book and then focus in each of the stories to support that message. I did enjoy this overall, but it didn't quite live up to it's potential.
===
As somebody who tries to eat locally and seasonally and plant-based when I can, the concept of this book immediately intrigued me. Each chapter focuses on a different fruit or vegetable and dives into some of the particulars about where it comes from, both locally (to the UK) and abroad. While the book does touch upon other countries, briefly, the very extreme focus is on the UK, which I hadn't realized when I picked it up. Being from the USA, where *so* many books are centered, I cannot fault the author for focusing on where she lives, but I do think a lot of the book did end up feeling a little inaccessible. While, of course, many of the topics covered can apply more broadly, there were so many references to things that felt hyper-specific to the UK--foraging in hedgerows, the British tradition of orchards, etc--that it made me feel less invested and connected to the content. I do wish the blurb made the British/UK focus a lot clearer. Beyond that, the stories did sometimes feel a little unconnected and scattered--I was left with the feeling of a broad and shallow coverage of many topics, but the direction to me never felt entirely clear or distinct. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the broader message of the book was supposed to be--it felt sometimes like the author was saying we're all doing the best we can, and sometimes saying we all need to do better, and I just think the author needed a stronger team of editors to help her hone in on the ultimate narrative thrust of her book and then focus in each of the stories to support that message. I did enjoy this overall, but it didn't quite live up to it's potential.
December 3, 2023
This book is very thought provoking. Louise Gray continues the tradition of writing modern narratives about our food and where it comes from.
And this book is especially timely, since the growing zones in the US have recently changed.
It also includes recipes that tie in with each chapter. There is one for carrot biscuits that I plan on trying.
Don’t be surprised that after reading this you start craving certain foods. After reading it I got a serious yearning for courgettes. Looks like some kousa will be in the future for me.
And this book is especially timely, since the growing zones in the US have recently changed.
It also includes recipes that tie in with each chapter. There is one for carrot biscuits that I plan on trying.
Don’t be surprised that after reading this you start craving certain foods. After reading it I got a serious yearning for courgettes. Looks like some kousa will be in the future for me.
February 18, 2023
1. This book is very much U.K. based. It covers topics like food waste and pesticides that are applicable everywhere, but I often felt the ways that food distribution is a very different issue in Canada. Also, every time Gray mentioned a cool initiative or product I wanted to see if I could… oh right…
2. There’s a level of privilege in being able to make food choices based on the best food for the environment rather than your wallet, and it’s one that fewer people have now than when this book was being written. I don’t think Gray is trying to write a preachy book, and attempts to keep the economic realities of both producers and consumers in mind when talking about ways to approach changing issues within the industry. Sometimes just the act of writing about everything wrong with the food industry will inevitably make people feel bad about their choices, though.
3. Each chapter is essentially its own article focusing on a different produce, but really on a different aspect of the food industry. It’s easy to dip in and out of, which is probably why it took me a very long time to finish. The writing switched between being engaging and a bit dry depending on the topic, but overall worked for me.
2. There’s a level of privilege in being able to make food choices based on the best food for the environment rather than your wallet, and it’s one that fewer people have now than when this book was being written. I don’t think Gray is trying to write a preachy book, and attempts to keep the economic realities of both producers and consumers in mind when talking about ways to approach changing issues within the industry. Sometimes just the act of writing about everything wrong with the food industry will inevitably make people feel bad about their choices, though.
3. Each chapter is essentially its own article focusing on a different produce, but really on a different aspect of the food industry. It’s easy to dip in and out of, which is probably why it took me a very long time to finish. The writing switched between being engaging and a bit dry depending on the topic, but overall worked for me.
December 14, 2022
I gobbled up this book in one sitting - and then trotted out to the kitchen to inventory my fresh veggies. I'll need some beans to make a clever, tasty-sounding version of avocado toast, sans avocado. I love avocados, probably a lot more than I should, But now I know more about their carbon footprint and the water consumption that goes into growing this popular food. Louise Gray made a clearly-stated, intelligent case for cutting back my consumption, (though I'll still love them forever, and will have one now and then.)
That's just one of the many eye-openers packed into this super-informative book. By focusing on just a dozen fresh foods, there's plenty of room to share information about the ethics, politics and health benefits of each item,
But this isn't a dry textbook. It's written in a friendly, conversational tone, and peppered with personal anecdotes that are sweetly nostalgic and genuinely interesting. As a bonus, each chapter ends with a recipe that steps outside the ordinary recipe box. All in all, it's a well-balanced read. I'd recommend this for younger folk just setting out on their own and learning how to shop and cook, but also for us older cooks who've fallen into food-ruts and preconceived notions.
My thanks to author Louise Gray, Bloomsbury USA, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
That's just one of the many eye-openers packed into this super-informative book. By focusing on just a dozen fresh foods, there's plenty of room to share information about the ethics, politics and health benefits of each item,
But this isn't a dry textbook. It's written in a friendly, conversational tone, and peppered with personal anecdotes that are sweetly nostalgic and genuinely interesting. As a bonus, each chapter ends with a recipe that steps outside the ordinary recipe box. All in all, it's a well-balanced read. I'd recommend this for younger folk just setting out on their own and learning how to shop and cook, but also for us older cooks who've fallen into food-ruts and preconceived notions.
My thanks to author Louise Gray, Bloomsbury USA, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 16, 2023
*This book was received as an advanced reviewer's copy from NetGalley.
Well this book is aptly named. It definitely gave me anxiety. It seems like despite everything you may try to do, it's never quite enough. Gray, in this book, takes us through some of our common grocery store items, and their purveyance, issues, carbon/water/whatever impact, and how some people are looking to develop better foodways for them (although it should be noted this book is centered in the UK and may not be quite the same for the USA).
It's interesting to hear about what local farms are doing in the UK, the revival of certain heritage breeds, and some of the trades that happen with other countries for common items (like green beans). What's maybe not as fun as hearing how terrible all these things are for the earth. That's where the anxiety comes in. Most of our common grocery store foods don't really have a great carbon footprint, or water footprint, or human exploitation background.
Gray spends most of the book (when not telling us of the few positive things happening in the UK) telling us how bad most of our choices are for the environment. But then finishes saying "do the best you can, really". Which sounds great, but it's such a small amount compared to the rest of the book that the shame is already there and pervasive. I have a garden, I try to recycle everything, etc. But I am one person with a full time job, carer for a parent, etc. and yes, I could do more but I'm utterly mentally exhausted most of the time. But now I feel like crap because I know I can do better apparently.
Not the author's intent I'm sure (as noted by her ending on do the best you can), but at the same time as gentle as this message is, it's still rough and maybe I just wasn't in a good headspace for this book.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
Well this book is aptly named. It definitely gave me anxiety. It seems like despite everything you may try to do, it's never quite enough. Gray, in this book, takes us through some of our common grocery store items, and their purveyance, issues, carbon/water/whatever impact, and how some people are looking to develop better foodways for them (although it should be noted this book is centered in the UK and may not be quite the same for the USA).
It's interesting to hear about what local farms are doing in the UK, the revival of certain heritage breeds, and some of the trades that happen with other countries for common items (like green beans). What's maybe not as fun as hearing how terrible all these things are for the earth. That's where the anxiety comes in. Most of our common grocery store foods don't really have a great carbon footprint, or water footprint, or human exploitation background.
Gray spends most of the book (when not telling us of the few positive things happening in the UK) telling us how bad most of our choices are for the environment. But then finishes saying "do the best you can, really". Which sounds great, but it's such a small amount compared to the rest of the book that the shame is already there and pervasive. I have a garden, I try to recycle everything, etc. But I am one person with a full time job, carer for a parent, etc. and yes, I could do more but I'm utterly mentally exhausted most of the time. But now I feel like crap because I know I can do better apparently.
Not the author's intent I'm sure (as noted by her ending on do the best you can), but at the same time as gentle as this message is, it's still rough and maybe I just wasn't in a good headspace for this book.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
June 14, 2023
Feel like I learned a lot about different foods especially their history and carbon footprints. Very specifically based in the UK -- so tough to follow with local place or store names, some specifics less relevant/ do not translate.
July 8, 2024
Not 5*s cos I didn’t like the writing style. But I’m hoping to avoid avocados!
August 5, 2023
Avocado Anxiety, with emphasis on the "anxiety" and a load of bias. I was supremely irritated that the promise of information in the subtitle, "where your food comes from" wasn't met. It doesn't matter that the book is based on UK food distribution because that promise of informing where food comes from can be achieved irregardless of final distribution spot. If I had known that the author is biased toward the still disputed story of climate change (yes, it's disputed if you truly follow the scientific community especially those scientists not encumbered with grant money), and if I had known that her premise would come with food shaming rhetoric, I would have left the book on the shelf.
Did I finish the book? I did. I found interesting information in subjects like the Kenyan growing of green beans. I was actively appalled by the author's support of the idea that the UK should stop buying those green beans, even though the purchase of them means removing the Kenyan farmer from abject poverty and providing a better life for family... because, well, climate change and carbon footprint. That was a bit much for me, cementing the author's agenda in my mind. So I read the rest of the book with a bit of irritation. Oh please, tell me AGAIN about carbon footprints as I haven't got enough of that message. And if you didn't get the sarcasm, let me tell you that statement is sarcastic.
Would I recommend? No. The tiny amount of interesting information isn't worth the time investment. And I still don't know where my food comes from. I was hoping to understand how the produce in my grocery is brought to the consumer. Where does the food originate? How is it stored? Are the avocados really gassed right before they are presented to me for purchase? What does that mean for my health? And... still would like to know.
Did I finish the book? I did. I found interesting information in subjects like the Kenyan growing of green beans. I was actively appalled by the author's support of the idea that the UK should stop buying those green beans, even though the purchase of them means removing the Kenyan farmer from abject poverty and providing a better life for family... because, well, climate change and carbon footprint. That was a bit much for me, cementing the author's agenda in my mind. So I read the rest of the book with a bit of irritation. Oh please, tell me AGAIN about carbon footprints as I haven't got enough of that message. And if you didn't get the sarcasm, let me tell you that statement is sarcastic.
Would I recommend? No. The tiny amount of interesting information isn't worth the time investment. And I still don't know where my food comes from. I was hoping to understand how the produce in my grocery is brought to the consumer. Where does the food originate? How is it stored? Are the avocados really gassed right before they are presented to me for purchase? What does that mean for my health? And... still would like to know.
November 9, 2023
Lots of recommended reading in this one-- I like that it is provided throughout the book at the end of each chapter rather than at the end of the book.
Actionable items: "we can eat more plant protein, buy Fairtade bananas, order an organic veg box and cut down on food waste."
Aside--I was surprised to learn that much of the food waste DOES happen on the consumer side, rather than production and transportation (except maybe in some cases like carrots which is appalling --perhaps frozen veggies are actually more climate friendly).
Actionable items: "we can eat more plant protein, buy Fairtade bananas, order an organic veg box and cut down on food waste."
Aside--I was surprised to learn that much of the food waste DOES happen on the consumer side, rather than production and transportation (except maybe in some cases like carrots which is appalling --perhaps frozen veggies are actually more climate friendly).
October 20, 2023
This was not the book I thought it would be. I got bored being told the author was a journalist. That being said, there really was no "meat" to the issues. Just anxiety.
August 30, 2023
I bought this book hoping to gain a better understanding of the logistics and environmental impact of Britain's food supply and expecting it to shed light on future threats to Britain's food supply. The book covers these topics superficially and focuses on only a few staple foods.
I felt that the author hadn't really decided what she was trying to achieve with this book and flits between multiple subjects within each chapter, coming across as tangential. I am not familiar with any of her journalistic work but I wonder if these are topics she has already covered in long-form articles and has repeated them here? I also wonder how much original research was carried out for this book. There are a lot of personal anecdotes, giving the feel of a journal which is not something that I was interested in, personally.
The author does make a recommendation for another book called How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything which I suspect is something more similar to what I was hoping this book would be.
I felt that the author hadn't really decided what she was trying to achieve with this book and flits between multiple subjects within each chapter, coming across as tangential. I am not familiar with any of her journalistic work but I wonder if these are topics she has already covered in long-form articles and has repeated them here? I also wonder how much original research was carried out for this book. There are a lot of personal anecdotes, giving the feel of a journal which is not something that I was interested in, personally.
The author does make a recommendation for another book called How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything which I suspect is something more similar to what I was hoping this book would be.
April 3, 2023
In her quest to know where the food she feeds her daughter is from, Louise Gray takes us on the journey to learn more about what goes into growing our food, from avocados to zucchinis.
I found the author’s writing style not only incredibly informative but approachable as well. She expertly weaved complicated concepts into the writing in a way all readers can understand. This book is more than just describing how the food gets from point A to point B, but rather an overarching look of the historical, scientific, and cultural impacts of these foods as well.
While the book is written specifically about food in the UK, the takeaways regarding climate change, sustainability, and the like are applicable regardless of where you live and therefore everyone would benefit from reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA, and Bloomsbury Wildlife for access to an advance copy to review.
I found the author’s writing style not only incredibly informative but approachable as well. She expertly weaved complicated concepts into the writing in a way all readers can understand. This book is more than just describing how the food gets from point A to point B, but rather an overarching look of the historical, scientific, and cultural impacts of these foods as well.
While the book is written specifically about food in the UK, the takeaways regarding climate change, sustainability, and the like are applicable regardless of where you live and therefore everyone would benefit from reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA, and Bloomsbury Wildlife for access to an advance copy to review.
May 5, 2023
This is an informative and fascinating look into the origins and issues surrounding many of the common fruits and vegetables we take for granted.
The author looks at beans, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, courgettes, berries, apples, carrots and avocados.
I enjoyed learning about the bumblebees and the nightingales as well as the foraging witches!
This is a unique book because each chapter ends with a recipe featuring the star of that section.
I like how the author ends stating that while we should care where our food comes from, we should not be so obsessed about it to the extent where we are harming ourselves.
The author looks at beans, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, courgettes, berries, apples, carrots and avocados.
I enjoyed learning about the bumblebees and the nightingales as well as the foraging witches!
This is a unique book because each chapter ends with a recipe featuring the star of that section.
I like how the author ends stating that while we should care where our food comes from, we should not be so obsessed about it to the extent where we are harming ourselves.
January 7, 2023
In my opinion, this book is meant to shame the contents of your fridge and grocery store..but honestly, if they are the only foods one can afford these days, carbon footprint and water consumption are not really a factor for this home or should it be for yours.
Food costs have doubled in many parts of North America and we eat what is affordable and take vitamins to make up the difference..that is one way to deal with rampant inflation and shrinking pay cheques.
Interesting read but it's like shaming from a soapbox
Food costs have doubled in many parts of North America and we eat what is affordable and take vitamins to make up the difference..that is one way to deal with rampant inflation and shrinking pay cheques.
Interesting read but it's like shaming from a soapbox
March 29, 2024
An extremely well written book about the many issues surrounding the history of, growth and environmental complexities concerning the food we eat. In what could have been a preachy criticism around climate change , poor diet, the carbon footprint resulting from importing fruit and vegetables from countries in ,for example, South America, Louise Gray lays out the pros and cons of the foods we eat. Ultimately, she wants the reader to enjoy food but urges us to consider how we can ,at least, change some of our food habits to help ,even in a small way, tackle climate change.
November 11, 2024
Really interesting book that dips into a number of different foods consumed in the UK and explores the food systems used to produce and distribute the food. It raises a lot of questions around the sustainability, ethics, and culture around food, along with many personal experiences of the author.
I find it hard to criticise the book really. I would have liked more detail, but that would make the book much longer. The book could also have explored related political issues about why the food systems are the way they are. But again, that would make the book much longer.
I find it hard to criticise the book really. I would have liked more detail, but that would make the book much longer. The book could also have explored related political issues about why the food systems are the way they are. But again, that would make the book much longer.
May 24, 2023
There appear to be a lot of titles coming out about our food web written by and for a tiny sliver of the population that can afford organic / free-range options grown in pre-approved conditions. The vast majority of the world can't subsist on these ideas. Yes, we can have these specialized farms feeding a subsegment of the population, but the info covered in these tomes only works for the few.
May 25, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Each chapter is about a different food and is followed by a recipe. While the information is interesting, the chapters are written with different levels of skill and interest. If you are not expecting it, having everything focus on the UK was unexpected.
Each chapter is about a different food and is followed by a recipe. While the information is interesting, the chapters are written with different levels of skill and interest. If you are not expecting it, having everything focus on the UK was unexpected.
March 25, 2025
A funny and reflective personal story through the fruits and veggies that we know and love. Unlike other “propaganda” I have read regarding environmentalism, this book seems to understand the nuances and grey areas we have as humans. We cannot care about every single problem that our world is facing so Gray gives options and doesn’t judge the reader for which they choose
March 3, 2023
An interesting dive into the world of where our food comes from. I thought some chapters were more interesting than others. Like bananas was really interesting, but I was not as interested in potatoes. I did find it interesting there were recipes included for each chapter.
April 8, 2023
An interesting book about the origins of our food. The chapters were hit and miss for me but overall an engaging read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2024
Got a bit bored halfway through, but it scratched an itch (and recipes at the end of the chapter are always a separate star for me). But it's good, I've talked about - and recommended - it several times since.
January 13, 2025
I enjoyed Louise Gray’s writing style and fondness for food. There are international efforts being made to keep us well fed and minimize food waste; I loved learning about them. The recipes were also a nice touch!
April 9, 2023
More UK-centric than I expected, but serves as a great case study for delving into the very complex reality of globalized food chains
June 3, 2023
Informative and well-written
August 25, 2024
If you are a human, who eats food and can read - read this book.
September 16, 2024
Very good book with very interesting stories and data about where our food comes from. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 5, 2025
An excellent and insightful book
November 14, 2025
Well researched and interesting but left me with the feeling that it is so difficult to reduce the carbon footprint of our food due to the many associated complexities.
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