Introducing: The Food Chain - Rethinking the potato

From The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

June 7, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

Ruth Alexander explores the history and cultural significance of the potato, featuring insights from various experts in the field.

Potatoes are having a moment. Once dismissed as dull, stodgy or even unhealthy, they are now back, appearing on restaurant menus, in food magazines and across social media feeds. But the story of the potato goes back much further. Ruth Alexander traces the journey of one of the world’s most familiar foods. From its origins millions of years ago to its place in today’s global food system. AJ Shehata, senior sous chef at Fallow restaurant in London explains why the potato forces chefs to get creative. At the Natural History Museum, botanist Sandy Knapp explains how the potato may have been born from a chance encounter between two wild plants in the Andes, an event that made it possible for potatoes to grow underground and spread across new environments. Potatoes USA president Blair Richardson explains how demand continues to grow worldwide, and how the industry is working to reshape the potato’s image. Nutrition scientist Candida Rebello shares research suggesting potatoes may be far more beneficial, and more misunderstood, than many people think. And, at the International Potato Centre in Peru, scientist Julian Soto works with farmers to conserve thousands of native potato…

People in this episode

Host: Ruth Alexander

Guests: AJ Shehata, Sandy Knapp, Blair Richardson, Candida Rebello, Julian Soto

Topics covered

potato
food culture
nutrition
agriculture
history
cooking

Keywords

potato
cooking
nutrition
agriculture
history
food culture
Andes
Peru

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fallow restaurant, Natural History Museum, Potatoes USA, International Potato Centre

Places: Andes, Peru