The tomato is Gastropod’s favorite flavor of summer, and we’re not alone: today, it’s the most popular vegetable on the planet, despite the fact that it's technically a fruit. But, until a couple of hundred years ago, the tomato wasn't really anyone's favorite. In South America, where the tomato originates, no one even bothered to domesticate it; in Mexico, ... Show More
Aug 5
The Most Dangerous Fruit in America
It's the epitome of summertime: there’s nothing like a cold, juicy slice of red watermelon on a swelteringly hot day. But, once upon a time, watermelons were neither red nor sweet—the wild watermelon has white flesh and a bitter taste. This episode, we scour Egyptian tombs, decay ... Show More
45m 20s
Jul 22
The Colorful Tale of Mexico's A-maize-ing Grain
This might sound corny, but the relationship between maize and humanity is essential. We rely on corn—globally, more maize is grown than wheat or rice—and, in turn, corn is utterly dependent on us, to the extent that it's lost the ability to reproduce without our help. But corn's ... Show More
50m 56s
Jul 2024
The Preposterous History of Artificial Flavors, Part Two: Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
What makes a flavor "artificial," exactly? Why doesn't banana candy taste like bananas in the grocery store? What on Earth is the flavor behind "Juicy Fruit" -- spoiler, the answer will surprise you. In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max ex ... Show More
51 m
Feb 2024
Sweet Watermelon🍉丨Sunnie's Music Story
🍉🌟Hey buddies! Sunnie here, with Dad on a watermelon adventure! 🚜👧
In the field, Dad and I conquer the green rind, tough shell, and even tap-tap into sweet melodies! 🍏🍉🎶 Slicing, biting, and turning each watermelon into a perfect delight! 🔪🌈
1m 38s
Nov 2021
Demet Güzey, "Mustard: A Global History" (Reaktion Books, 2019)
Whether grainy or smooth, spicy or sweet, Dijon, American, or English, mustard accompanies our food and flavors our life around the globe. It has been a source of pleasure, health, and myth from ancient times to the present day, its tiny seed a symbol of faith and its pungent fla ... Show More
22m 50s
May 15
The Dark Side of Ancient Egypt
When people talk about Ancient Egypt, they often focus on the amazing pyramids, mummies, and the advanced civilisation.At After Dark, we love to explore the grim reality of all of this: what was life like for the people who built those pyramids? What happened if you stole from t ... Show More
41m 41s
Nov 2024
PLYMOUTH – The First Feast
Plymouth, Massachusetts, founded in 1620, was the site of one of colonial America's most devastating winters, where only 52 of the original 102 Mayflower passengers survived through disease, starvation, and brutal conditions.
Discover more TERRIFYING podcasts at http://eeriecast. ... Show More
53m 39s