Oranges by John McPhee is an expansive, sweeping exploration of oranges, their history, and their cultural and economic significance. Spanning generations and continents, McPhee documents the fascinating science and agriculture behind the growth of oranges, their rise in financial success, and the complex global network of trade and transport that keeps this delicious fruit readily available for consumption.
The history of oranges is long and winding, beginning in Southeast Asia and gradually spreading to the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages. From there the orange spread to Europe, where it came to symbolize plentitude, fertility, and good health. Oranges also had a social and political impact in many European countries, conferring rank on privileged classes and providing a common snack for the poor.
In the United States, oranges found success almost immediately. With lavish oranges from the Caribbean and the fertile California Valley, the American South and West Coast quickly became orange capitals of the world. The industry held great promise, and during the 1800s, oranges flourished in California, Florida, and other cities. The Great Freeze of 1872-73 devastated many orange groves in the South and West, but the crop soon bounced back as new technologies and techniques allowed growers to replicate climate and soil conditions in new regions.
McPhee is an astute observer as he journeys through the various steps of the orange industry, from harvesting to processing and export. Throughout his journey, McPhee examines the interactions between growers, middlemen, and buyers; the economics of orange markets; the intricate ways in which oranges are handled, from loading and transport to packaging and marketing; and the drastic changes that technology and international trade networks have had on the orange business.
The narrative moves beyond the financial and business angles of the orange industry to explore its environmental, scientific and cultural implications. For instance, McPhee examines the ways in which the orange industry has had a positive impact on the environment, such as improved irrigation techniques reducing water usage in California’s Central Valley. He speaks with growers, shippers, and marketers to get a sense of their personal stories and families’ histories in the orange business. He considers the unique properties of oranges, from the amount of Vitamin C in different varieties to the symbolic meanings that lie in the color of the rind.
The scope of his exploration is immense, and McPhee makes sure to address all aspects of the orange business. From the challenges of mechanical harvesting and migrant labor to the rise of organics and genetic engineering, McPhee offers an insightful and highly detailed overview of the entire life cycle of oranges.
Oranges is a detailed and engaging read, and McPhee does an admirable job of capturing the multifaceted nature of the orange industry. His exploration is far reaching and fascinating. This is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in the science, business, and cultural impact of oranges. The book offers an invaluable overview of the many different strands that make this multifaceted industry work.
