logo
episode-header-image
Aug 20
13m 32s

The science of making fruits and veggies...

TED
About this episode

It's a hard nut to crack: in order to prevent food waste, we rely on plastic packaging and refrigeration, which harm the environment. What if we could turn to nature to address these challenges? Engineer and chemist Jenny Du shares how a simple plant-based innovation — using the same elements found in fruit and vegetable peels — can extend the shelf life of produce, while also fighting food waste and spurring a healthier, more sustainable food system.

For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch.


Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:

TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou

TEDSports: ted.com/sports

TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna

TEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
History has been written by whoever controls the dominant fuel of the era — until now, says renewables entrepreneur Matt Tilleard. He explains why, as the clean energy transition ramps up, we’re moving from a world where energy comes from burning fuels to one where it will come f ... Show More
13m 51s
Oct 7
Inside the Gaza peace plan | Ian Bremmer
October 7 marks the second anniversary of Hamas' horrific attack on Israel — and Israel's devastating response. Political scientist Ian Bremmer unravels the intricate dynamics of President Trump's ambitious peace plan, the stark realities facing Gaza, how Israeli Prime Minister N ... Show More
39m 48s
Oct 6
Going viral taught me the internet is broken — but fixable | Deja Foxx
Digital strategist Deja Foxx went viral for speaking up at a town meeting — and then learned the harsh cost of being in social media’s crosshairs. She welcomes us to the “girl internet,” a growing ecosystem of women-led platforms that prioritize privacy, community and respect. "W ... Show More
11m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 20
The science of making fruits and veggies last longer | Jenny Du
It's a hard nut to crack: in order to prevent food waste, we rely on plastic packaging and refrigeration, which harm the environment. What if we could turn to nature to address these challenges? Engineer and chemist Jenny Du shares how a simple plant-based innovation — using the ... Show More
13m 32s
Sep 26
Interview: The plant-based coating that is eliminating food spoilage | Jenny Du
If food waste were a country, it’d be the third highest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions after China and the US, says Apeel Senior VP of Operations Jenny Du. Following her talk at TED2025, Du sits down for a conversation with host Sherrell Dorsey on how her lab is creating pla ... Show More
20m 51s
May 2025
Why the ‘big food’ industry is killing us – and how to fight back | Prof. Brian Elbel and Prof. Tim Spector
👀 Unwrap the truth 👉 Try the new ZOE app Why do we eat what we eat? It might feel like a personal choice, but hidden forces—industry tactics, government policies, and even cutting-edge food science—shape our decisions every day. In this episode, Professor Brian Elbel from NYU a ... Show More
1h 3m
Sep 2024
2695: Waste Not, Want Not by Nancy Clark on Reducing Food Waste & Sustainability
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2695:Nancy Clark explores the pressing global food challenges we'll face by 2050, driven by population growth and climate ch ... Show More
12m 22s
Nov 2024
Carbon conscious cooking for the future
Our volatile climate will impact the way we cook and the way we eat. And so, farming needs to adapt, eating needs to adapt, and how we cook, will also need to adapt.   In this episode of the Science Behind Your Salad, Jane Craigie explores the world of carbon farming: how can we ... Show More
31m 48s
Nov 2024
The truth about expiry dates, freezing food and vegetable scraps | Carleigh Bodrug and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
We waste a shocking 40% of the food we buy. We throw away foods like carrot tops, beet greens, and spent coffee grounds. These ‘food scraps’ stuff our landfills and drain our pockets. But we can eat these foods and many of them offer tons of healthy nutrients. Today’s guest is Ca ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2025
The food that fertilizes itself | Giles E.D. Oldroyd
Could the key to a sustainable food system already be growing in the world’s farms? Plant scientist Giles E.D. Oldroyd explores how a special quirk of soybean plants allows them to naturally partner with networks of fungi and bacteria to access essential nutrients in the air and ... Show More
13m 32s
Aug 26
The SHOCKING Truth About GMOs & Organics with Dr Jessica Steier
Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode:IntroductionWhat “Organic” Really Means (According to the USDA)The Appeal to Nature Fallacy: Are Organic Pesticides Actually Safer?The Dirty Dozen List: Science or Scare Tactic?GMOs Explained: What They Are — and What They ... Show More
30m 45s
Aug 7
Nutrition Scientist: This is why you're confused about ultra processed food | Prof. Sarah Berry
Scientists agree that processed foods are contributing to poor health — but when it comes to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), there’s growing confusion. The term is now used so broadly that it includes everything from crisps and sweets to wholemeal bread and plant-based milks. So wh ... Show More
1 h
Oct 2024
How to turn the tables on food waste | Dana Gunders
We waste a staggering one trillion dollars worth of food each year, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis. Food waste expert Dana Gunders shares innovative solutions to reduce waste — from solar-powered cold rooms to apps that sell discount ... Show More
12m 56s