From the windswept Caucasus Mountains to the decadent tables of Renaissance Europe, few fruits have lived a life as rich (or as risqué) as the cherry. In this episode, John and Patrick trace the cherry’s remarkable journey through time, beginning with its elusive origins in ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolia, where birds, not botanists, first sowed the seeds of this future delicacy. As Greek philosophers began to take note of its cultivation, cherries found their way into the hands and stomachs of empires. With a Roman general, the cherry became more than food. It became a symbol of conquest, luxury, and horticultural ambition, spreading from Roman villas to British roadsides. But that’s only the beginning. The cherry takes root in Islamic gardens, medieval courts, and the bustling markets of early modern London, where barrow-women hawked “cheryes in the ryse” with babies on their hips. Along the way, it becomes a sensual symbol - adorned in love songs, sacred art, Shakespearean innuendo, and more than a few barely veiled metaphors for desire. Join John and Patrick as they uncover the fascinating story of this small red fruit. From botany to mythology, empire to erotica, this is fruit has it all. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! Share this episode with your friends Give a 5-star rating Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more. ----------- Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email:
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