Britain | Basket case

Comparing apples and oranges. And also small caged mammals

A biography of the British basket of goods

Two poodles in trolley basket being pulled along by a woman
Photograph: Getty Images

Cod-liver oil (1947-51), mercifully, passed away swiftly. Liver (1947-98) lasted a little longer. Avocados didn’t arrive until 1993—but have thrived since then.

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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Basket case ”

From the March 22nd 2025 edition

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