The Big Apple

I find it ironic that a large regional produce show is held in a city nicknamed “The Big Apple.”  Further investigation finds the roots of the term linked to the prize in horse racing known as ‘apple’ and since New York was, in the past, the biggest of all racing venues, it became known as “The Big Apple”. I was fortunate enough to attend the New York Produce Show show and be part of the energy surrounding a vibrant regional economy with strong ties to the fresh produce industry.

One of the images that struck me the most was of the front seat of a cab that I was in.  We all know the stereotypical joke about the cab driver reeking of Garlic; this was much more profound.  The driver was definitely a large man, somewhere around 6’6” tall and in good shape.  On the seat beside him was a one-gallon jug of water, two bananas, a red delicious apple and an orange.

Of course I had to inquire about the selection.  He told me there was potassium in the bananas to keep his (long) legs from cramping while stuffed into the tight quarters of the cab.  The apple provided ‘roughage’ and the orange was just his favorite.  He drove a 12 hour shift, 4pm to 4am, and that selection would keep him going if he didn’t get a chance to stop home for a meal.

The Mayor tried to outlaw big soft drinks and dictate what food choices New Yorkers had.  There are food options literally on every block, most offerings include healthy options.  This cab driver didn’t have chips or chocolate; he was a big boy (literally) and was able to make a healthy decision for himself.  We don’t need legislation on food choices, just education.