This fragrant flavoring is what's left over when you steam distill neroli oil out of bitter orange blossoms – and it’s anything but an afterthought. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of orange blossom water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 18, 2025•36 min
This chocolate layer cake with a dab of apricot jam and a chocolate coating may seem simple, but it’s caused a lot of fuss. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and slightly dramatic history of the sachertorte. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 17, 2025•30 min
This vegetarian protein is made from wheat (and it's pronounced say-TAHN, but we couldn't resist the joke). In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the debated history and gooey, chewy science of seitan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2025•17 min
This type of cuisine involves elements like pork shoulders and ribs, charcoal and hickory wood, a dry rub, a tangy sauce – and impassioned arguments about what to do with them. Anney and Lauren cue up the history and cultures behind Memphis-style barbecue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 09, 2025•44 min
This bittersweet, peppery herb has a bit of licorice flavor and a slightly serpentine history. Anney and Lauren dig into that history – plus the botany – of tarragon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 04, 2025•38 min
This brand of seasonings was made famous by the theatrical prime rib restaurant that created it. Anney and Lauren shake out the history of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 01, 2025•52 min
This type of liqueur is traditionally made with bitter orange peel and comes in largely non-orange colors. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of curaçao liqueur. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 2025•33 min
We present once again a collection of fantastic visions from you, dear listeners! This batch includes adventures both near and far, the finer points of pasta salads, and a deep dive into a delicious urban myth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 20, 2025•35 min
This type of restaurant serves nostalgic cuisine at affordable prices – though they’re becoming more difficult to find. Anney and Lauren load up on the history and cultures behind Southern-style cafeteria dining. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 18, 2025•41 min
This fish-shaped, not-too-sweet treat comes in a veritable ocean of iterations. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture behind taiyaki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 13, 2025•31 min
These small, fermented snacks have been popular for thousands of years. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of kalamata olives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 11, 2025•37 min
Even though it's a cold case, the origin story of the ice cream sundae is hotly debated. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren have the scoop on the competing tales behind sundaes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 09, 2025•33 min
These extra-large shrimp were the darling of the aquaculture industry for decades – and are excellent escape artists. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of the giant tiger prawn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 05, 2025•35 min
This classic summer side dish has infinite ingredient combinations and a nebulous past. Anney and Lauren get mixed up in the science and history of pasta/macaroni salad(s). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 30, 2025•34 min
This international brand of tortilla chips (and dips, and scientifically engineered flavors) got its start at Disneyland. Anney and Lauren dust off the intense science and history of Doritos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min
This ultra-creamy cheese achieves its texture and funk from a species of mold that was named after it. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of camembert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22, 2025•44 min
These edible flowers are a tasty decoration used fresh or made into vibrant extracts – and they mess with your sense of smell, making the experience of them fleeting. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and weird science of violets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 15, 2025•45 min
This type of restaurant serves barbecue, often spit-roasted and portioned off tableside by servers in continual rounds from the grill. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind churrascarias and rodizio-style service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 09, 2025•36 min
Although sometimes thin skinned, cucumbers have only rarely lost their cool factor over the millennia. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind this popular summer addition to everything from salads to sour beers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 07, 2025•33 min
The leaves of this aromatic tree add a complex bright, herbal, earthy spice to all kinds of savory dishes. Anney and Lauren go out on a limb with the botany and history of the curry tree. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 02, 2025•25 min
This wide category of crisp, yeast-forward ales has a murky history. Anney and Lauren dip into that history, plus the science behind saisons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 01, 2025•31 min
This brand of doughnuts and coffee is famous for its fresh in-shop experience but poised to distribute its treats on a massive scale. Anney and Lauren don’t glaze over the science and history behind Krispy Kreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 25, 2025•48 min
This savory pie with a filling of greens, cheese, and eggs satisfies around Easter -- or any time of year. Anney and Lauren slice into the history and cultures behind torta pascualina. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 18, 2025•27 min
This delicious fungus grows on hardwood and can help make biofuel. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of the shiitake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 16, 2025•29 min
These fish cakes can inspire a lot of nostalgia -- and other strong opinions. Anney and Lauren dip into the science, history, and many forms of gefilte fish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 10, 2025•34 min
This soft, chewy jelly candy ranges from a simple treat to fabulously fancy. Anney and Lauren dig into the sweet science and sticky history of Turkish delight (aka lokum). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 04, 2025•27 min
Sometimes called the tropical potato, is breadfruit the greatest thing since sliced bread? What's mutiny got to do with it? In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of breadfruit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 02, 2025•25 min
Cheetos and other cheesy puffed-corn snacks are miracles of modern science and marketing. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the fortuitously fab history (and making of) cheese curls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 28, 2025•42 min
These simple, often disposable devices make brewing a single cuppa quick and easy. Anney and Lauren steep in the science and history of tea bags. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 26, 2025•37 min
These large, long-haired cousins to cattle make life a lot easier (and more buttery) in their frigid highland environments. Anney and Lauren yak about the history, biology, and many products of yaks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 21, 2025•34 min