
The Food Chain
The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food, and what it takes to put food on your plate.
Latest episodes

Feb 1, 2024 • 27min
Rebuilding Turkey’s food culture
After devastating earthquakes in Antakya, Turkey, the podcast explores the determination of survivors to rebuild while preserving their food heritage. It discusses the unique culinary culture of Antakya, challenges faced by the residents, and efforts to rebuild and preserve historic places. The podcast also explores the vibrant food culture of Turkey, featuring mouthwatering dishes and unique chopping techniques.

17 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 31min
Is Chinese food the best in the world?
Chinese food, despite its health focus and gastronomic skill, has been undervalued in the West. Featuring interviews with a British food writer, a Michelin-starred chef, and a CEO of a Chinese-Peruvian restaurant, the podcast explores the complexity and diversity of Chinese cuisine. Topics include tofu, the misunderstood nature of Chinese food, the evolution of a family-owned restaurant, ordering tips, and debunking misconceptions about Chinese cuisine.

5 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 28min
How to invent an apple
Explore the science behind breeding new apple varieties and the challenges of selling them. Learn about the tradition of Wasailing in the UK and the impact of climate change on apple farming.

Jan 11, 2024 • 32min
The preservers
Learn about different methods of food preservation used around the world, including pickling, dehydrating, and canning. Explore the resurgence of home food preservation and the concept of rebel canning. Discover the significance of pickles in Indian cuisine and the personal touch of homemade pickles. Dive into the art of preserving food through drying and its benefits in Japanese cuisine.

Dec 28, 2023 • 27min
Another year away from home
Two Ukrainian families displaced by war reflect on their second year away from home. They discuss the challenges of being separated from loved ones and finding comfort through cooking. Topics include escape journeys, settling in new countries, the emotional significance of ceramic mugs, a Ukrainian psychologist's rewarding work, adjusting to new homes, celebrating Ukrainian heritage, and New Year wishes and promotions from the BBC World Service.

Dec 21, 2023 • 30min
Festive food stories
Discover favorite festive foods from around the world and the significance of communal dining. Explore cultural traditions and the difference between homemade and outsourced food. Learn about cooking pilau in Nairobi, the tradition of orthogidori in Japan, and share festive food stories for Christmas.

Dec 14, 2023 • 27min
Feed your brain
Explore the relationship between our gut and brain, and the impact food can have on our alertness, mood, and memory. Learn about the importance of balanced eating, omega-3 fatty acids, and various nutrients for brain health. Discover the foods that aid in brain injury recovery and the power of incorporating brain foods into our diets. Hear about the benefits of cooking fresh meals at home and the need for more public health messaging on the connection between brain health and nutrition.

Dec 7, 2023 • 27min
How to stop cooking killing
Experts discuss the challenges of cooking with polluting fuels and stoves, health issues caused by household air pollution, sustainable solutions like bioethanol cook stoves in Kenya and solar cookers, as well as the difficulties in implementing cleaner cooking solutions and addressing the issues of unsustainable wood stoves and solar cooking.

Nov 30, 2023 • 27min
Pesticide exports
Countries exporting banned pesticides, impact on Paraguay's small farmers, health risks and environmental concerns, inadequate regulations and personal accounts, concerns over children's death, impact on biodiversity, implications of exporting banned pesticides

Nov 23, 2023 • 28min
Food for new mums
Heng Ou, a Chinese-American author, shares her postpartum experiences and the role of food. Allison Oman Lawi from the World Food Programme explains nutritional needs after giving birth. Mengqi Wang breaks the strict dietary rules in a postpartum clinic. The podcast discusses the importance of postpartum nutrition and explores cultural traditions and practices for new mothers.
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