As a first for the Skolnik Newsletter, we are going to make a book recommendation! I recently read a fascinating book and thought it would interest many of our readers who work in shipping, warehousing, the supply chain…or if you just like to eat bananas.
In her book “Frostbite,” journalist Nicola Twilley delves into the intricate system known as the cold chain, which is responsible for delivering perishable goods, such as bananas, from farm to table in pristine condition.
- This seamless network ensures that consumers have access to fresh produce year-round through refrigerated trucks, rail cars, shipping containers, and warehouses.
- Twilley explores how this system, while meeting our demand for ripe tropical fruits, significantly impacts our daily lives and the global landscape.
- The New York Times Review of Books highlights Twilley’s ability to weave together lucid history, science, and thoughtful consideration of this artificial cold matrix.
Twilley’s examination of the cold chain traces its roots back to the 19th century when the use of ice in rail cars revolutionized meat consumption in America. This led to increased livestock farming and the transformation of the American landscape.
- She also details the evolution of the home refrigerator, a recent invention, and its profound impact on what and how we eat.
- Twilley argues that refrigeration has altered everything from our plates to our cities, though at a cost—commercial produce today is often less flavorful and nutritious than that of previous generations.
The bottom line: Twilley’s thorough research and engaging storytelling make “Frostbite” a compelling read, though some may wish for deeper dives into the scientific principles behind refrigeration.
- Nonetheless, her exploration of the cold chain offers a fresh perspective on the seemingly mundane act of keeping food fresh and underscores the complex interplay between technology and daily life.
- The New York Times Review of Books cautions that reading this book might forever change how we view grocery shopping!