Gastropod The Most Dangerous Fruit in America
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Aug 5, 2025 Adrian Miller, a food scholar focused on African-American culinary history, joins Shana Klein, an art historian and author, along with David Shields, a professor and rice foundation chair. They dive deep into the origins of watermelon, tracing its journey from bitter wild fruit to summer staple. The discussion highlights the fruit's complex history, marred by racial stereotypes and cultural significance. Listeners learn about breeding efforts in America, the social implications of iconic imagery, and the rediscovery of sweet varietals, making this summer favorite a compelling subject.
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Watermelon Poisoning Anecdote
- Farmers posted warnings and poisoned watermelons to prevent thieves from stealing their valuable crops.
- Sometimes they forgot which melon was poisoned and accidentally poisoned themselves.
Flavor Lost for Durability
- Breeding for transportability and disease resistance made watermelon rinds tougher but sacrificed flavor.
- Modern watermelons lose the complexity and taste of heirloom varieties like the Bradford.
Rediscovering the Bradford Melon
- David Shields uncovered the lost Bradford watermelon through family connections and historical research.
- The rediscovered Bradford was richer and more complex in flavor than typical watermelons today.
