Savor

The simplicity of this sesame seed paste belies the depth of flavor and texture it brings to everything it touches. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of tahini.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For what seems on the (toroid) surface to be a humble bread product, bagels can inspire a lot of nostalgia -- and strong opinions. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the history and baking science behind bagels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This savory starchbomb of fried, mashed green plantains exemplifies how various cultural influences came together to form modern Puerto Rico. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind mofongo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This broad category of leafy greens has a rep for being boring, but they can add awesome structure and flavor to a dish. Anney and Lauren unfurl the science and history behind lettuce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These sweetened, creamy alcoholic beverages may be perceived as simplistic, but are actually achievements of science and marketing. Anney and Lauren dip into the storied history of cream liqueurs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the spirit of spending time with family and friends, we turn once again to messages from you, dear listeners! This one includes a call to cookie action, latke love, and perhaps the ultimate serving vessel for gravy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet yeast bread is studded with treats and leavened to great heights for the holidays. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of panettoni.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This holiday protein comes in many styles – brined, rubbed, smoked, steamed, baked – but all of them salty. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of Christmas hams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ah, the holidays! Because nothing says 'comfort and joy' like a marketing campaign, Anney and Lauren present another mini-episode chock full of the season’s strangest offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every human culture has developed fermentation practices – but beyond that, fermentation helped human culture develop in the first place. In this interview, we chat with food historian Dr. Julia Skinner about how she cooked up her new book, ‘Our Fermented Lives: A History of How Fermented Foods Have Shaped Cultures and Communities’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latkes are the crispy potato pancakes associated with Hanukkah celebrations -- but they weren't always made of potato. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren get to the root of latke history (and the science behind making them the tastiest).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ah, the holidays! Time for cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and more bizarre marketing campaigns than you can shake a wreath at. In this mini-episode, Anney and Lauren dip into some of the season’s strangest offerings so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This kitchen staple – useful in everything from baked goods to meringues to boiled vegetables – is a byproduct of the wine industry. Anney and Lauren get a rise out of the science and history of cream of tartar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This tart, bitter flower bud that's eaten as a vegetable has inspired serious fans – and artists – around the world. Anney and Lauren get to the heart of the science and history of artichokes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of prepackaged pastries, ostensibly meant to be toasted, is a success story of marketing and science. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of Pop Tarts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This South American grape brandy comes in two distinct styles that both delight drinkers in their own ways. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of pisco.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This category of savory sauces covers starchy sides and keeps main dishes moist across the English-speaking world – and beyond. Anney and Lauren boil down the science and history of gravy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mushrooms are a delicious, nutritious part of our diets, but they’ve more traditionally been a medicine -- and you definitely shouldn't eat wild mushrooms without an expert. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science of the fungus among us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet, creamy nut lends itself to snacking and all kinds of dishes, but some 90 percent of the world’s crop goes to processing for sweets. Anney and Lauren crack open the science and history of hazelnuts (and filberts).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This rich, warming beverage can be sweet or bitter, spiced or simple, heavy or feathery light – but every iteration comes down to ground cacao. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of hot chocolate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This type of single-serving pie often involves dough wrapped around another savory starch, like mashed potatoes or kasha. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of knishes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cooking oil is made from butter that's been browned and clarified to produce something as delicious as it is shelf-stable. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of ghee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This processed pork product inspires fierce loyalty – and fabulous breakfasts – no matter what you call it. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of pork roll/Taylor ham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This diminutive legume plays a giant role in the history of agriculture. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of lentils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horror films are filled with scary foodstuffs, from highly suspect meat pies to the sheer anxiety of dinner parties. In this mini-episode, Anney and Lauren discuss some of their favorite devilish dinners on film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maple syrup has been sweetening dishes for centuries -- and it may contain the key to some futuristic medicines. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren pour themselves into the history and science of maple syrup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This film ties together themes of the real, historical power of food and stories via fantastical threads. Anney and Lauren explore the semi-fictional foods of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small dumplings, though perhaps most famously made with flour and potato, can take on near infinite forms. Anney and Lauren dig into the pillowy science and knotty history of gnocchi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This deep red grape, though sometimes misunderstood, helped launch California’s wine industry – and wines made from its relatives are loved across Europe. Anney and Lauren dive into the science and history of zinfandel grapes and wines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s apparent that this juicy, fragrant tree fruit -- whether crunchy or buttery -- is considered by many to be beyond compare. Anney and Lauren pair up to explore the science, history, and poetry of pears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This ultra-savory seasoning and soup-starter has months (or years!) of work behind every flake. Anney and Lauren smoke out the science and history of katsuobushi (i.e., dried bonito flakes).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cheesy innovation is affordable, reduces factory waste, and melts like a dream -- but is it really food? In our classic episode, Anney and Lauren dive into the science and history behind process cheese (aka American cheese).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This herb and its seeds bring a warm yet bracing kick to dishes (and, yes, pickles) around the world. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of dill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sourdough flatbread isn’t only a delicious staple – it’s servingware and utensils, too. Anney and Lauren round out the history and science of injera.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This highly customizable salad can incorporate a range of spicy, savory, salty, and sweet elements – but always with a base of tart, fresh, unripe papaya. Anney and Lauren dig into the iterations and history of green papaya salad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This novelty candy creates a popping sensation in your mouth using highly pressurized (but totally harmless) pockets of carbon dioxide. Anney and Lauren explore the science, history, and urban legends behind Pop Rocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When scientists team up with brand marketers, dreams can come true – assuming you were dreaming of a diamond made of ranch seasoning. In this mini-episode, Anney and Lauren dip into how Hidden Valley created a ring for the real ranch lovers among us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cartoon turned media franchise features food in both very ordinary and very extraordinary situations. Anney and Lauren can’t believe we’ve come so far -- ‘Steven Universe’ food stuff, here we are!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This wheat beer owes its cloudy appearance and fruity, spicy flavors to the yeast(s) used in brewing it. Anney and Lauren explore the history and science of Hefeweizen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This large variety of pepper makes up for its lack of heat by presenting in a veritable rainbow of colors and other flavors. Anney and Lauren crack open the history and science behind bell peppers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fluffy meringue dessert often comes with whipped cream, cut fruit, and contention. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore where pavlova really comes from and why meringue is so persnickety, scientifically speaking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This now nearly ubiquitous beverage developed out of a very specific blend of cultural influences. Anney and Lauren dip into the history of masala chai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stuff that makes bacon delicious also made it safer to eat in the era before refrigeration -- but the same stuff also makes it less than healthy. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind bacon's popularity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While on our mission to record this episode, we encountered some mysterious technical difficulties – but the mail must go on. In this journey to the inbox, we encounter cloudberry memories, an opposition of frog opinions, and lots of nerdy stuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This starchy staple can be served as simple grilled bread -- or can contain multitudes. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of arepas (and precooked corn flour).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These cream-filled snack cakes may not be eternal, but they do have a long and storied past. Anney and Lauren explore the science and sticky history of the Twinkie brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cheese gets its tasty tang from sheep/goat milk and aging in a brine instead of open air. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of feta cheese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This frozen treat is deceptively simple – and thousands of years in the making. Anney and Lauren dig into the crystallized science and history of sorbet (and sherbet, too).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This protein is such a popular delicacy that it’s caused conservation problems around the world. Anney and Lauren hop to the amphibious history and science of frog legs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fruit is beloved in the subarctic areas where it grows, but you pretty much have to be in one of those places to try it. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of the cloudberry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.