Book cover with title "Green Gold: The Avocado's Remarkable Journey from Humble Superfood to Toast of a Nation" by Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons.

Green Gold

Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons

Anchored by the story of two exceptional trees that stood out among hundreds of rivals, Green Gold is a spirited and often surprising behind-the-scenes look at how dedicated avocado enthusiasts in Mexico and California developed an ideal fruit to sell to the world. Navigating the Depression, two world wars, Mexican revolutions, violent drug lords, drought, and disease, these pioneers were driven by the avocado’s potential to captivate the palates and hearts of consumers across the globe. Their efforts, inspired by the success of California citrus, launched today’s lucrative industry and helped the avocado win a place among such supermarket staples as oranges and bananas.

“Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy a chip full of guacamole, you’ll be thoroughly captivated …Green Gold is a well researched, captivating story.”

— Rick Bayless, James Beard Award-winning chef, author, and restaurateur

Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons

About the authors

Sarah Allaback and Monique Parsons, friends since third grade, grew up in Carpinteria, California, where avocados were part of the landscape. Both graduated from Princeton University. Sarah is an author and historian specializing in architectural history and landscape preservation. Monique, a third-generation avocado farmer, is an award-winning journalist and independent radio producer for NPR.

Poster for "Green Gold" book tour featuring Monique F. Parsons and Sarah Allaback. Includes tour dates and locations: May 17 at Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, May 21 at Friends of the Carpinteria Public Library, May 23 at Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City, May 28 at Chaucer's Books in Santa Barbara, May 29 at Omnivore Books on Food in San Francisco, June 1 at Book Passage in Corte Madera, and June 25 at Bookends & Beginnings in Evanston, IL. Cover of the book "Green Gold" and a photo of the authors.