Thanh the Fruit Nerd! Is Social Media the new shop front?

It's time to level up our produce game! 

There are few things more disappointing than biting into a floury apple, or cutting open a bruised avocado... if only we knew what mango to choose based on skin spots, or how to best store pears so they ripen perfectly…

That, friends, is the mission of our next guest, Thanh ‘The Fruit Nerd’ Truong.

He's put a modern spin on the traditional fruiterer, using his growing social media profile to share entertaining tips on choosing, storing and prepping fruit and veg.  

Thanh wants consumers to have the best possible eating experience without playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with our produce.

He understands that an elevated flavour experience is not only good for us, it benefits the whole horticulture supply chain - leading to a healthier population and planet.

Thanh's knack for storytelling and passion for enjoying fresh produce is absolutely infectious. 

Join Oli at the dawn wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Melbourne to discover how this second-generation fruiterer operates.
 
Takeaways 

• As we've commodified fruit and vegetables we've lost the experience of the fruiterer
• Social media is an effective way to reinvigorate the storytelling behind fruit and vegetables  
• Equipping shoppers with knowledge gives them agency to choose their fruit better, store it better and have the best possible eating experience
• Consumers have lost connection with their food and the horticulture industry could do more to educate the public
• 'Braver' storytelling through social media, or even gaming platforms, could foster deeper connections between consumers and farming and claw back social license
• Incremental change in consumer eating habits will lead to a healthier population and planet
• Don't squeeze your avocados!

Chapters
00:00 Morning madness at the Melbourne fruit market

03:44 A day in the life of a fruiterer

08:28 Is social media the new shop front?

17:08 How ag industries could better educate consumers and build social license

29:57 Should cooking classes be compulsory in schools to encourage healthier eating?

42:00 Thanh's Nuffield journey ahead

55:06 The power of incremental change in shifting buying habits and reducing food waste

01:01:06 Lessons from Asian food systems

Learn more about The Fruit Nerd and follow his wholesome content on Instagram.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia — proud supporters of the Nuffield Scholarship. Rabobank’s commitment to backing bold ideas and future thinkers like Thanh Truong is shaping the future of food and farming.

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