Early humans depended on natural woodlands for foods such as fruit
and nuts, later learning to cultivate trees for these foodstuffs. In the
modern world, vast businesses are based on edible tree products, from
fruit and nuts to crops, such as coffee, that have to be processed.
FROM TREE TO TABLE
Fruit and nuts from trees are harvested
worldwide: from hot climates come the
date, papaya, pomegranate, olive, lychee,
mango, avocado, coconut, pistachio, and
Brazil nut, among many others. Citrus
fruits (lemons, oranges, among others) are
an important group grown mainly in
southern Europe and North Africa.
Cooler climes produce apples, pears,
plums, damsons, cherries, walnuts,
chestnuts, and almonds. Peaches, apricots,
and figs are found in temperate regions.
Growing fruit and nuts commercially
is a precise science. Orchards must be
correctly managed, and the right type of
plants must be grown and, if grafted,
put on the right rootstock. Irrigation and
protection from extremes of weather are
important considerations. Pests, diseases,
and competition from grass or weeds must
be anticipated and controlled before
damage occurs. Pruning to control tree
growth and improve crop yield is critical.
