Recognized today for their long ships, horned helmets, raiding and pillaging, the Vikings have a frightening reputation. But how much of what we see in movies is true? Were the Vikings truly meat-loving warriors? Or were they veggie loving farmers? Did they even have an agricultural sector in their society?

In today's episode, John and Patrick are joined by the leading expert on Viking age food, Daniel Serra as they explore the role fresh produce played in Viking cuisine, society and history.

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From Al Capone to Tony Soprano, real life and fictional mafiosi have captured the public imagination for decades. Portrayed as thuggish, Italian American gangsters valuing “the family” above all else, Hollywood has certainly had an influence on how we think of the Mafia. But who exactly are the mafia?

When did they come into existence? And what do they have to do with produce? Join John and Patrick in today’s episode as they make you an offer that you can’t refuse.

The boys travel back in time to explore the origins of the world's most infamous criminal organization and its surprising ties to citrus groves on the idyllic island of Sicily.

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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Since the founding of the United States, its Presidents have left their unique mark on American history. These leaders have influenced U.S. participation in global conflicts, social causes, domestic policies and even the food we eat. In today's bonus livestream episode, John and Patrick discuss the relationship that 10 former U.S. Presidents had with fresh produce and what we can learn from those stories.

Can future leaders of the free world make produce great again?

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Long before Europeans set foot on the American continents, indigenous peoples had lived on these lands for thousands of years. In that time, the Native American peoples developed a rich, diverse collection of cultural traditions which, of course, included food. But what happened to those traditions when contact was made with Europeans?

Would Native Americans be able to preserve their culinary practices? and how would the 'Magic 8' crops contribute to global cuisine?In today's episode, John is joined by Native foods historian and author, Lois Ellen Frank and Chef Walter Whitewater as they take us through the fascinating evolution of Native American cuisine with a keen focus on fresh produce. 

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The Hawaiian islands have been annexed by the United States and an agriculture boom is underway. American entrepreneurs flood the shores of Hawaii in search of their fortune. But this comes at a cost to the indigenous Hawaiian peoples and their land. In today's episode, John and Patrick explore how the pineapple industry bursts onto the scene following the collapse of the Hawaiian monarchy and quickly transforms the island nation.

The success of pineapple may have been relatively short lived, but the impact on Hawaii has been long lasting. Will the impact be for the better or worse?Don't miss the fourth and final episode in this thrilling account of the Stolen Lands of Hawai'i!

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We've all heard about the hidden Mickeys and "easter eggs" in Disney movie classics but what about fresh produce? Food, especially produce, plays a pivotal role in many of these movies.

It may not always be obvious but these foods tie in significant cultural and regional elements that help to paint a bigger picture of the characters and their setting. In today's bonus livestream episode, John and Patrick explore the fresh produce landscape of a variety of Disney movies and their historical accuracy.

From the desert city of Agrabah in Aladdin to the Andean mountains in The Emperor's New Groove, are the crops we see Disney magic or reality?

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Tensions are rising between plantation owners and the Hawaiian monarchy. Plantation owners want the island nation to be annexed by the United States to further their wealth. The royalists want more agricultural diversity and power returned to the natives. Two groups but there can only be one victor.

In today's episode, John and Patrick describe the pivotal point in Hawaiian history where annexationists and royalists face off in the ultimate battle for control. There will be coercion, secret meetings, and manipulation. Is this farewell to the Hawaiian peoples and their sovereignty?

Don't miss the third episode in this thrilling account of the Stolen Lands of Hawai'i!

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King Kamehameha the Great has unified the Hawaiian islands and with it brings vast trade opportunities to European powers. Seeking to move away from a rest stop to a player in international trade, what does Hawaii have to offer to the world and what does it mean for their people and land? In today's episode, John and Patrick explore the extraordinary transition of the Hawaiian islands from a mere trade outpost to an international supplier of goods.

As the young United States continues to expand, Hawai'i positions its goods towards the growing American market. Will this bring wealth and prosperity to the peoples of Hawai'i? Or will outside powers look to extort and control the small island nation?

Don't miss the second episode in this thrilling account of the Stolen Lands of Hawai'i!

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A paradise island chain in the middle of the Pacific remained in relative isolation for over 1,000 years until the controversial Captain Cook became the first recorded European to encounter what he called the Sandwich Islands. This encounter marked the beginning of the end of the sovereignty of what we now know as the Hawaiian islands.

The story of Hawai'i is a tragic tale of violence, exploitation and imperialism that has food, namely produce, at the very heart of it all.

Join Patrick and John in the first episode of this epic series, as they explore three key moments in the late 18th century that set the course of Hawaii's fate.

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Join Patrick and John in their very first History Of Fresh Produce bonus livestream, as they review the past year and what exciting topics they have planned for 2024.

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