Savor

During spooky season, when the veil is thin, the undead may walk – and marketers run with it. Anney and Lauren present the creepy and the kooky of Halloween seasonal food and beverage marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This seasonal staple was designed to be an easygoing addition to dishes both savory and sweet. Anney and Lauren cozy up to the history and botany behind butternut squash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cheese made from stretched curds can be eaten young and tender or aged and sharp. Anney and Lauren melt over the science and history of provolone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite many changes in the beer industry since this episode originally published, India Pale Ales still rule the American craft beer market. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the colonial history and bitter science behind IPAs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cork is a component of tree bark that insulates the tree from the outside world – and those same properties make cork a near-perfect closure for containers holding liquids like wine. Anney and Lauren pop open the science and history behind corks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This treat associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the stuff of legends. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and many varieties of mooncakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This international brand of root beer, other sodas, and fast-food joints goes back over a century to a single root beer stand along a veterans’ parade route. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and cultures of A&W.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This category of casseroles encompasses both sweet and savory flavors and starches of many kinds, but it all comes down to comfort food. Anney and Lauren noodle about history and cultures behind kugel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This delicate stone fruit packs a sunny flavor whether fresh or dried. Anney and Lauren jam on the botany and history behind apricots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cured pork product is especially celebrated when the pigs it comes from feed free-range on acorns. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of Iberian ham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of tea is flavored with bergamot for a bright brew, but its background is foggy. Anney and Lauren engage with the science and history of earl grey tea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This children’s animated comedy/pop culture phenomenon follows the (mis)adventures of an extremely enthusiastic fry cook. Anney and Lauren dive into the fictional foods of SpongeBob SquarePants -- and some of their real-world extrapolations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isabella Beeton wrote the book on how to run a Victorian kitchen – "Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management" – and her brand survives today. But Beeton wasn't a stodgy matron. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the fashionable, savvy woman behind this seminal cookbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this style of restaurant, the kitchen sends dishes through the dining room via varyingly automated systems for customers to select from. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history behind conveyor belt sushi restaurants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These industrially produced snack cakes have a rich corporate history. Anney and Lauren fill in the science and saga of Hostess Cupcakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While it's not strictly a food, humans have been chewing gum-type stuff for around 9,000 years. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren blow up the history, science, and sticky menace of chewing gum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This almond-flavored liqueur brings a sweet, smooth warmth to cocktails and baked goods – sometimes without involving any almonds at all. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of amaretto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hot and numbing tofu dish features cascading layers of flavors – and a near-mythic backstory. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of mapo tofu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This tart fruit in the nightshade family gives a verdant kick to savory sauces, soups, and much more. Anney and Lauren go green with the botany and history of the tomatillo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This freshwater fish is one of the most-farmed fish on the planet (and happens to be excellent when cornmeal fried). Anney and Lauren dive into the history and biology of channel catfish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This mild cow-milk cheese has a texture like gouda and holes like Emmental – because that’s exactly how it was designed. Anney and Lauren melt over the science and history of Jarlsberg cheese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fragrant flavoring is what's left over when you steam distill neroli oil out of bitter orange blossoms – and it’s anything but an afterthought. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of orange blossom water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This chocolate layer cake with a dab of apricot jam and a chocolate coating may seem simple, but it’s caused a lot of fuss. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and slightly dramatic history of the sachertorte.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This vegetarian protein is made from wheat (and it's pronounced say-TAHN, but we couldn't resist the joke). In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the debated history and gooey, chewy science of seitan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of cuisine involves elements like pork shoulders and ribs, charcoal and hickory wood, a dry rub, a tangy sauce – and impassioned arguments about what to do with them. Anney and Lauren cue up the history and cultures behind Memphis-style barbecue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bittersweet, peppery herb has a bit of licorice flavor and a slightly serpentine history. Anney and Lauren dig into that history – plus the botany – of tarragon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of seasonings was made famous by the theatrical prime rib restaurant that created it. Anney and Lauren shake out the history of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of liqueur is traditionally made with bitter orange peel and comes in largely non-orange colors. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of curaçao liqueur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We present once again a collection of fantastic visions from you, dear listeners! This batch includes adventures both near and far, the finer points of pasta salads, and a deep dive into a delicious urban myth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of restaurant serves nostalgic cuisine at affordable prices – though they’re becoming more difficult to find. Anney and Lauren load up on the history and cultures behind Southern-style cafeteria dining.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fish-shaped, not-too-sweet treat comes in a veritable ocean of iterations. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture behind taiyaki.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small, fermented snacks have been popular for thousands of years. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of kalamata olives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even though it's a cold case, the origin story of the ice cream sundae is hotly debated. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren have the scoop on the competing tales behind sundaes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These extra-large shrimp were the darling of the aquaculture industry for decades – and are excellent escape artists. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of the giant tiger prawn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This classic summer side dish has infinite ingredient combinations and a nebulous past. Anney and Lauren get mixed up in the science and history of pasta/macaroni salad(s).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This international brand of tortilla chips (and dips, and scientifically engineered flavors) got its start at Disneyland. Anney and Lauren dust off the intense science and history of Doritos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This ultra-creamy cheese achieves its texture and funk from a species of mold that was named after it. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of camembert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These edible flowers are a tasty decoration used fresh or made into vibrant extracts – and they mess with your sense of smell, making the experience of them fleeting. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and weird science of violets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of restaurant serves barbecue, often spit-roasted and portioned off tableside by servers in continual rounds from the grill. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind churrascarias and rodizio-style service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although sometimes thin skinned, cucumbers have only rarely lost their cool factor over the millennia. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind this popular summer addition to everything from salads to sour beers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leaves of this aromatic tree add a complex bright, herbal, earthy spice to all kinds of savory dishes. Anney and Lauren go out on a limb with the botany and history of the curry tree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This wide category of crisp, yeast-forward ales has a murky history. Anney and Lauren dip into that history, plus the science behind saisons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of doughnuts and coffee is famous for its fresh in-shop experience but poised to distribute its treats on a massive scale. Anney and Lauren don’t glaze over the science and history behind Krispy Kreme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This savory pie with a filling of greens, cheese, and eggs satisfies around Easter -- or any time of year. Anney and Lauren slice into the history and cultures behind torta pascualina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This delicious fungus grows on hardwood and can help make biofuel. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of the shiitake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These fish cakes can inspire a lot of nostalgia -- and other strong opinions. Anney and Lauren dip into the science, history, and many forms of gefilte fish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This soft, chewy jelly candy ranges from a simple treat to fabulously fancy. Anney and Lauren dig into the sweet science and sticky history of Turkish delight (aka lokum).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes called the tropical potato, is breadfruit the greatest thing since sliced bread? What's mutiny got to do with it? In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of breadfruit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheetos and other cheesy puffed-corn snacks are miracles of modern science and marketing. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the fortuitously fab history (and making of) cheese curls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These simple, often disposable devices make brewing a single cuppa quick and easy. Anney and Lauren steep in the science and history of tea bags.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.