The Perfect Fruit: Good Breeding, Bad Seeds, and the Hunt for the Elusive Pluot

by Chip Brantley

Book Overview

The creation story of the "perfect fruit," delving into the world of the demanding farmers, brilliant obsessives, and food fanatics who create the fruits we love. Is it possible to create the perfect... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1596913819
• ISBN13: 9781596913813
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 0.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

the perfect book about The Perfect Fruit

Perhaps written in the tradition of Michael Pollan and Mark Kurlansky's seemingly single subject books (though refreshingly differently), Brantley's book is an excellent read. He manages to take a subject and a fruit that might not even come to mind in the produce section of the grocery store, and give it its due in a personal, even alluring way. I highly recommend The Perfect Fruit, and plan on picking up several copies as gifts this holiday season myself.

What a pleasant surprise!

I was curious to find out about how an entire book dedicated to one somewhat rare fruit would turn out. WOW! The book not only makes you want to go directly to the supermarket and buy a basket of this interesting and delicious fruit, but it makes you appreciate just about ANYTHING you might have passion for. Chip Brantley uses humor, unbelievable insight and a great deal of research to make a seemingly ordinary subject come to life. The real success of this book is that I wasn't sure I was even interested in the subject and then was brought into this wonderful world that the author gladly let me into. His love of life, his love of food and the deep love he has for his wife make this book not just an "expert's view' of a pluot. It makes it a wonderful story that is a must for anyone who appreciates beauty...

A Hidden Gem

What a surprisingly delightful read! Whether you consider yourself a "foodie" (or perhaps, in this case, a "fruity") or not, Mr. Brantley's unbridled curiosity, humorous insight, and unabashed dedication to the pursuit of that which he does not yet know will truly inspire you to think differently; not only about fruit, but also, in a very comforting and whimsical manner, about life... I really enjoyed this gem of a book.

A Sweet Read

Some books make you want to hug your wife, or buy a dog, or go hike the Appalachian Trail (or not). Chip's book, for its part, makes you want to go to the nearest Piggly Wiggly and try to find a pluot -- and that's no mean feat. The Perfect Fruit is an entertaining read and, if you're not careful, you'll learn something about the elusive pluot -- and the author -- in the process.

I loved this book!

My son gave this to me to read, and I really didn't know what to expect. I wasn't sure how someone could write a whole book about pluots. But I was hooked from the start! It's really beautifully written, funny, informative (who knew fruit breeding could make for a page-turner?), and filled with fascinating fruit-growing characters who really come alive. I highly recommend this book!