> the variety that was easiest to grow and was most shelf stable won out This is a bit of a lazy trope at this point - and somewhat self-fulfilling. There are

> the variety that was easiest to grow and was most shelf stable won out This is a bit of a lazy trope at this point - and somewhat self-fulfilling. There are lots of counter examples or fruits that only seem easy to grow and shelf stable in hindsight because we prioritized them. Fresh pineapples, bananas, avocados, grapefruit, etc. Same thing with nutrition - the nutrition only declined after they were grown en masse or switched to hydroponic. Changing tastes account for a lot. People really thought these were superior products at the time. Also the rise of national media came with it recipe books - and consistent ingredients nationwide became desirable in its own way.