Growing Heritage: The Politics of Heritage Vegetables, Fruit and Seeds in Britain

This book explores the cultural politics of a new British heritage discourse, focusing on heritage fruits and vegetables as a means of subverting corporate food production and taking food back into our own hands. It discusses the practice of heritage seeds being stored in secure facilities, making them inaccessible to most growers in the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the cultural politics surrounding a novel form of British heritage discourse. Drawing from a diverse range of texts, including tweets, restaurant menus, and coffee-table books, it delves into the significance of considering our food systems and their future through the lens of heritage. The concept of 'heritage fruits and vegetables' has gained widespread popularity in recent years, resembling North American heirlooms with their captivating colors, peculiar shapes, and endearing names. However, their advocates argue that these crops hold immense value, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potential to ensure global food security, promote social justice, and enhance consumer choices.

In this book, the author explores how heritage fruits and vegetables are being embraced as a means to challenge corporate food production and reclaim control over our food choices. They examine how supermarkets are swiftly incorporating these products into their luxury ranges, recognizing their potential to attract affluent consumers. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the practice of storing heritage seeds in secure facilities, which are inaccessible to most growers worldwide.

Written in a clear and accessible style, this book appeals to a wide audience, including students and scholars in the fields of food studies, heritage studies, geography, environmental studies, sociology of consumption, and cultural studies. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of food production, consumption, and the cultural meanings associated with heritage foods. By examining the ways in which these crops are being adopted, celebrated, and contested, the book contributes to our understanding of the evolving landscape of food politics and offers valuable perspectives on the potential for sustainable and equitable food systems.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367523794