Savor

We turn once again to stories from you, excellent listeners! Spoon collections, Chocobo questions, and celebrations of various kinds feature large in this one – plus, how mispronunciations bring us together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This form of coffee is highly extracted thanks to the specialized, pressurized-steam process of making it. Anney and Lauren pull out the history and science behind espresso. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Set in a dystopian future, this media franchise deals deeply with how hunger can be weaponized – and how food brings us together. Anney and Lauren explore the semi-fictional food of The Hunger Games books and films. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cookware made with this material is tough but sensitive, old-fashioned but popular again. Anney and Lauren demystify the science and history of cast-iron cookware. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These sweet fruits are nutritionally dense, self-preserving, and delightful alone or in all kinds of dishes. Anney and Lauren delve into the science and history of dates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banned for a century in many places, absinthe is officially back on the market. But was it ever dangerous in the first place? In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren drink in the history and science behind absinthe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any entry from this category of velvety blended sauces is the star of whatever dish it appears with. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of moles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These brilliant blue flowers create food dyes capable of shifting from indigo to magenta and back. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science behind the butterfly pea flower. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mailbag returns at the hour of the galaxy’s greatest need! From recipes to wine tips and Kit-Kats to coffee, we share more stories from you, dear listeners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This beloved regional soda brand has become synonymous with nerve and verve. Anney and Lauren explore the history and fandom behind Moxie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This tangy Spanish sheep’s milk cheese is thousands of years in the making. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of Manchego. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These basic utensils are bent to all kinds of applications: cooking, serving, eating, gifting, collecting, and beyond. Anney and Lauren explore the strange history of spoons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bitter and pungent root vegetable adds bite to condiments, dishes, and holiday celebrations. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of horseradish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around Easter, lamb-shaped cakes, candies, and butter sculptures grace tables around Central Europe and beyond. Anney and Lauren dig into the sticky science and history of lamb-shaped treats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small berries are behind the flavor ‘purple’ throughout most of Europe, but they're almost unknown in the United States. Anney and Lauren dig into the curious case of currants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hydra-esque brand has been variously involved in the baking business for 150 years. Anney and Lauren explore the turns and twists of Pillsbury. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosciutto crudo from Parma, Italy is the world’s most famous – and most frequently fraudulent. Anney and Lauren explore the production laws and true crime behind prosciutto di Parma. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This adaptable white wine can come young or old, sweet or dry, mineral or creamy – but always with a one-two acid-honey punch. Anney and Lauren peer through the history and science of Riesling grapes and wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you find yourself in an unfamiliar star system without your copy of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', this classic episode will help fill you in on the local fare, from perfectly normal beast sandwiches to pan galactic gargle blasters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This beverage is quick and easy to make thanks to a long, complex history of technological innovations. Anney and Lauren brew up the science and history of instant coffee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This complex spice adds a flavorful, slightly hot, strangely numbing punch to dishes around China and beyond. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of Sichuan pepper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fresh cheese gets its spring and string from being worked like a dough as it’s made. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of mozzarella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This savory sausage, often served at breakfast, traditionally gets its rich color and flavor from blood. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and etymology of black pudding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This tropical tree fruit inspires some serious fandom (and research). Anney & Lauren dig into the sweet science and history of mangoes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This flexible, durable, lightweight metal foil changed how we preserve foods — once it became less expensive than gold. Anney and Lauren take a shine to the science and history behind aluminum foil. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.