Savor

This Andean seed has seen a global boom in use as a grain substitute over the past couple of decades. Anney and Lauren sort through the science and history of quinoa. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This tree (or bush, if you like) provides fruit for summery jams and pies – and food for the silkworm, thus placing it at the center of a lucrative global industry. Anney and Lauren smooth out the science and history of the mulberry. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand uses cryogenic technology to create treats containing tiny, tingling-cold pellets of ice cream. Anney and Lauren connect the science and history of Dippin’ Dots.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These disclosures of packaged foods’ nutritional content exist at the strange intersection of science, corporate interests, public health, and lawmaking. Anney and Lauren do a number on the convoluted history of nutrition labels in the United States. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet, herbaceous spice features in everything from cookies and breads to sausages and liquors. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of anise. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This deep-fried fairground food has an impressive number of contending origin stories. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture behind corndogs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This egg white substitute whips up like the real thing, and we’ve been pouring it down our drains for years -- it’s just the cooking liquid from legumes like chickpeas. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of aquafaba. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lembas is the one bread to rule them all in J.R.R. Tolkien's world of 'The Lord of the Rings.' In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren delve into the real-world inspirations and Elvish science behind lembas and other food and drink from Middle Earth. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summery cocktail of wine and fruit (or fruit flavorings) is adapted ad infinitum, from light handmade draughts to sweet bottled drinks. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of sangria. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This prolific summer squash turns up as everything from a side dish staple to a baked good booster to a noodle substitute. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of the zucchini (and its blossoms). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These beloved, nostalgic shredded potato nuggets started simply as a way to save french fry scraps from going to waste. Anney and Lauren explore the science, history, and culture of tots. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These tasty stuffed pastries come in near-infinite iterations around the world. Anney and Lauren get wrapped up in the history and culture of empanadas. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This herb (or herb group) and the eponymous spice blends made from it are ubiquitous in cuisines around the Eastern Mediterranean. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of za’atar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call it soda, pop, coke, or plain ol' carbonated water: In this classic episode, we dive into the sometimes explosive science and history of all agua that sparkles, from mineral springs to soda fountains to Big Gulps. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These berries are beloved as a pie filling and a health food alike. Anney and Lauren dig into the science, history, and health marketing of blueberries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These fluted tube pans can be used to create dense, beautiful cakes with a minimum of fuss. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of Nordic Ware's Bundt pans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fish/seafood soup/stew, made famous by Marseille, sees a lot of iterations throughout the city and beyond. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture behind bouillabaisse (and rouille). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This simple cocktail – composed of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari (or another bright amaro) – has a complicated backstory. Anney and Lauren dip into the culture and history of the negroni. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This herb, which tastes fresh and lemony to some but bitter and soapy to others, has been gracing tables for thousands of years along with its spice counterpart, coriander. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of cilantro. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hearty dish of beans in tangy sauce conjures nostalgia whether served as a cookout side or a breakfast staple, from a can or made fresh. Anney and Lauren spill the science and history behind baked beans (and their, er, musical properties). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This silky frozen treat that started out as a status symbol has become a ubiquitous Italian street food. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of gelato. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not exactly sweet and definitely not a bread, sweetbreads are a type of offal with a pedigree among gastronomes. In this classic episode, we explore how people treated this odd, tasty gland in the past, and how it made a comeback. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This plant and its nutritious, gel-producing seeds have been used as a staple crop, in nanotech, and as an indoor pet. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of chia. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This chocolatey, chewy candy is at the center of more than just lollipops – there’s a lot of mystery surrounding it, too. Anney and Lauren bite into the history of the Tootsie Roll. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cheese spread/dip is so popular in the American South that its recipe – and Northern origins – garner controversy. Anney and Lauren explore the history and culture of pimento cheese. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.