Gastropod is excited to present this guest episode of Unexplainable. For thousands of years, there have been four basic tastes recognized across cultures. But thanks to Kumiko Ninomiya (a.k.a. the Umami Mama), scientists finally accepted a fifth. So could there be even more?
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Feb 24
When is a Pancake Not a Pancake?
We aren't afraid to ask the big questions here at Gastropod, such as: what exactly is a pancake? If you think you know the answer, prepare to have your mind blown. It turns out the sweet, syrup-covered stack of American breakfast fame are far from the only members of the pancake ... Show More
45m 15s
Feb 10
OXO, Cuisinart, and Julia Child: The Secret (Accessible) History Behind Your Kitchen
For many people with disabilities, the kitchen can seem a deeply unfriendly place. From counters that require users to stand and cabinets that are often out of reach, to ovens that can’t be opened in mobility chairs and tools that are hard to grip or difficult to read—cooking can ... Show More
51m 12s
Jan 27
Ripe for Global Domination: The Story of the Avocado
We’re coming up to AvocadoFest 2026, otherwise known as the Super Bowl, when Americans get fully a fifth of their annual avocado allocation. But how did this humble fruit, originally named after testicles, get from its Mexican forest home to a tattoo on Miley Cyrus's upper arm? T ... Show More
46m 47s
Mar 2022
Making Sense: The Umami Mama
For thousands of years, there have been four basic tastes recognized across cultures. But thanks to Kumiko Ninomiya (a.k.a. the Umami Mama), scientists finally accepted a fifth. So could there be even more?
This is the fourth episode of our six-part series, Making Sense.
For more ... Show More
37m 1s
Nov 2021
Family Meal Peacekeeping, Food Coma Science, Etiquette Tips
Learn about how to avoid conflict at family meals; what causes food comas; and how to be a great host or guest.Today’s stories originally ran in the following episodes of Curiosity Daily:How to Avoid Conflict at Family Meals by Ashley Hamer originally published November 21, 2018 ... Show More
13m 26s