Savor

The Popsicle brand and other makers of ice pops have been cooling down our summers for over a century. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the battle over the brand name, plus how these frozen treats are made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This succulent desert plant, with pad-like stems and sweet fruit, has historically been propagated in hopes of farming a parasitic insect for dye. Anney and Lauren dig into the botany and history of the prickly pear cactus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year on the International Space Station, a mystery was afoot. Two precious, space-grown tomatoes had gone missing. Had someone secretly stolen a Solanum snack? In this mini episode, Anney and Lauren explore an out-of-this-world veggie tale: the great space tomato case!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This (usually) blue-veined cheese is one traditional product that’s changed with the times. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of Stilton cheese, including both Welly Wangin and microbiology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This shaved ice dessert can include everything from fruit and jellies to ice cream and evaporated milk. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of halo-halo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of fruit-based products was the first to successfully NOT ferment grape juice in the 1800s. Anney and Lauren dip into the twisting history of Welch’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The neon-red cherries of our childhood bear little resemblance to the original maraschino cherries. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren take a pitiless look at the science and history of both, including how the classic type is making a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bitter root vegetable is often roasted and used to make hot beverages, like chicory coffee. Anney and Lauren dig up the science and history of root chicory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of animal fat, housed inside bones, lends silky richness to soups, stews, and simple toast -- and eating it may be how humans evolved in the first place. Anney and Lauren celebrate the science and history of bone marrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This well-loved reference book serves not just as an encyclopedia of gastronomy, but a window into the (mostly French) culinary world from when it was published. Anney and Lauren flip through the history behind the ‘Larousse Gastronomique’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bottle cap’s simple, effective design – and its inventor’s business savvy – shaped the beverage industry as we know it. Anney and Lauren pry open the history and science of the crown cap (or crown cork).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This starchy side dish can inspire some strong opinions -- and side-eye. Anney and Lauren peel back the history behind the many, many iterations of potato salad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This preparation of soybeans employs a fermentation process to bring a funky flavor and stringy texture to the mix. Anney and Lauren spill the beans on the science and history of natto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We return once again with missives from you, dear listeners! Included in this motley crew are some strong opinions about regular cannoli and regular opinions about strong vindaloo (which we hope we haven't re-butchered the pronunciation of). As always, our greatest strength will be each other!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dentists originally created this fairground favorite, and the physics behind it is fascinating. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren put their spin on the history and science of cotton candy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This near-omnipresent citrus has been a rare treat, a reason to develop irrigation technology, a cure for scurvy, and a protection against the black plague. Anney and Lauren unpeel the botany and history behind the lemon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of savory sauces has as many origin stories as it has uses. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and phenomenon of HP Sauce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This botanical liquor can be made with many things, but often brings flavors like caraway or dill seed to the party. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of aquavit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small cephalopods are a huge part of California’s fishing industry. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of California market squid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These ricotta-filled, deep-fried pastries are the stuffed stuff of slightly bawdy legends. Anney and Lauren shell out the science and history of cannoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spice is made from tiny fruit that pack a huge wallop of flavor. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of allspice. (Correction: The thing in Transformers is the AllSpark. The “AllLife” is a thing that Anney wrote into her D&D campaign. Neither go in a pumpkin pie.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fast-food pizza franchise has served up literacy programs, space sponsorships, government-promoted cheese – and a lot of pizzas. Anney and Lauren delve into the deep-dish history of Pizza Hut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Beard is called the dean of American cooking for good reason -- he was a prolific pioneer of local, sustainable food that's celebratory, indulgent, and approachably DIY. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the life of this sometimes troubled chef, writer, and bon vivant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bright-hot stew can come out a number of ways thanks to the many culinary influences that have gone into it. Anney and Lauren marinate on the history and cultures behind vindaloo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This crumbly mountain cheese may not melt, but it’s the perfect finishing touch on all kinds of snacks, sides, and meals. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of cotija cheese. (p.s. Since I forgot to say it in the episode, here you go: BACTERIA POOOOOOOOP --LV)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These pieces of movie merchandise are far more than a way to hold popcorn. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and popularity of popcorn buckets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wines in this wide, complicated category are flavored with herbs and spices, stabilized with liquor, and sweetened (a lot or a little). Anney and Lauren dip into the history and cultures behind vermouth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These wild members of the onion family have catapulted from local favorite to foodie phenomenon. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of ramps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These cookies can be light or dense, made with shredded coconut or ground almonds, fancy or plain -- and their history is closely tied to pasta. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and many iterations of macaroons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickled cucumbers were Cleopatra's favorite beauty food and the main business of the guy who named the Americas. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the long history and bacteria-laden science of pickles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t call it a comeback quite yet, but this seafloor-dwelling fish is doing well in some places across the North Atlantic. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of the Atlantic halibut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kinda like food, but talking about the kitchens we grew up in involves a lot more than that. Anney and Lauren chat with journalist Michele Norris about how this became the prompt for her new interview-based podcast, ‘Your Mama’s Kitchen,’ and why those early experiences are both so evocative and instructive to us today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This creamy condiment adds a pop of color and flavor to salads and sandwiches alike – but its origin story isn’t so magnanimous. Anney and Lauren dip into the many competing histories and recipes for Thousand Island dressing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We love astronomical events and we love weird food & beverage industry marketing tactics. Today, the two join forces! In this mini episode, Anney and Lauren talk through the offerings of the 2024 solar eclipse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of soft drinks has always gone hard in its marketing concepts. Anney and Lauren x-plore the science and history of Mountain Dew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special-occasion cake comes from a long line of vegetal desserts. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of carrot cake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a cheese of many holes and many imitators. Anney and Lauren dig in to the science and history of Emmental, the original Swiss cheese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This popular and ancient herb is associated with a strange range of myths and legends, from scorpions and basilisks to star-crossed lovers. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the many stories of basil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the seven-year anniversary of our first episode!?!? In celebration, our excellent producers, Andrew and Dylan, joined us to chat about how we all came together to create the show, and about some of our favorite memories (and meals) from along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This iteration of tasty deep-fried dough bedevils historians as much as it delights fans. Anney and Lauren think the science and history of churros really shaped up in the end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet syrup adds smooth, fruity flavors to cocktails, coffee, and beyond thanks to the ‘milk’ of almonds (or other nuts/seeds). Anney and Lauren contend with what they’ve wrought in the science and history of orgeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These mid-sized, milk-producing mammals have been part of human cuisine and culture for millennia. Anney and Lauren are not kidding around about the biology and history of goats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This condiment is a study in contrasts – crunchy-silky, savory-fruity, and varyingly spicy. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture(s) of chili crisp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small, tart fruits love the cold but are extra useful when they’re heated up. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of lingonberries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again we return to our version of rule by the people: Messages from you, good listeners! In this original script, we’ve got everything from fairy bread to salad fries and capybaras to apple butters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though her story was almost lost, this accomplished Black American cook and cookbook writer from the 1800s is teaching us new things about the cuisine and culture of her time. Anney and Lauren dig into the rediscovery of Malinda Russell and her recipes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a rum punch designed with escapism in mind, this cocktail has a lot of controversy swirling around it. In our classic episode, Anney and Lauren dip into the history of the mai tai (plus, the science and history of cocktail umbrellas).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This social meal is a tradition in communities across the United States for a couple of dovetailing (fishtailing?) reasons. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind the Friday fish fry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This buttery pastry has as many iterations as it (often) has thin, flaky layers. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind baklava.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This slightly aged, green-blue veined cheese is prized for its heckishly piquant flavor. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of gorgonzola.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.