Gastropod

Author Daniel Stone discusses the adventures of botanist David Fairchild in bringing diverse foods to America, covering pirates, biopiracy, betrayals, and successes. Fairchild's impact on kale, mangoes, and the US food landscape is highlighted, showcasing his role in shaping our modern food culture.

Meet Luther Burbank, the horticultural rock star behind the French fry potato variety. Learn about his struggles with patenting his plant inventions and how it shaped today's supermarket shelves. Explore the wild world of plant breeding, patent laws, and the rise of big companies like Monsanto in controlling agricultural innovations.

Explore the dark side of America's favorite seafood, shrimp, revealing shocking labor abuses, environmental destruction, and banned chemicals in overseas production. Learn how to enjoy shrimp with a clear conscience and support sustainable seafood options.

Discover how oysters can save coastlines by countering sea-level rise, preventing erosion, and buffering storm surges. Learn about the ecological importance of oysters in coastal restoration, their historical ties in American cuisine, and the decline of oyster reefs impacting biodiversity.

Genetic epidemiologist Tim Spector discusses the world's largest personalized nutrition experiment, PREDICT, exploring how individuals respond differently to foods. The podcast delves into the influences of genetics, gut microbes, and other factors on metabolic processes, challenging conventional beliefs. The hosts share their experiences participating in the study, highlighting the potential of personalized diets for improved health outcomes.

Explore the unique landscape and history of Mississippi River delta shaping Cajun and Creole cuisines in New Orleans. Learn how European colonists and enslaved Africans influenced the famous dishes. Discover the legacy of Creole culinary icons and the evolution of Cajun cuisine into a global trend. Join a crawfish-catching adventure and feast with Berry and Cynthia, showcasing the deep connection of Cajun culture to food and community.

Discover the journey of creating a cookbook filled with unique pasta sauce options beyond tradition, from global cuisines to Indian Tada technique experiments. Dive into the collaboration of culinary experts as superheroes, the challenges of recipe testing, and the evolution of flavors. Explore the balance between confidence and self-doubt in the culinary world, leading to the anticipation of the book release and live tour details.

Dive into the bizarre world of food intellectual property with the accidental creation of stuffed crust pizza and legal battles over patents for unique food inventions. Explore the challenges of protecting culinary innovations through trademarks and trade dress, and discover the importance of intellectual property in fostering creativity in the food industry.

Delve into the historical origins of fries and the ongoing debate over who invented it. Explore the battle for the ultimate fry and the mayo vs ketchup debate. Learn about the evolution of fried potatoes and the unique cultural significance of Belgian fries. Unravel the origin of double-fried Belgian fries and the science behind perfecting French fries.

Discover the challenges of survival in Antarctica, where food is everything. Explore the culinary talents of expedition chefs and the race to the South Pole fueled by food. Learn about historical expeditions, pemican's vital role, and the longing for fresh produce in the icy landscape.