We Are What We Ate: A History of Food and Society

In this re-make of the very first episode of "We Are What We Ate", as we dive into the history, industry, and story of olive oil. Join us on a captivating journey through time as we delve into the enigmatic world of olive oil. In this episode, we unravel the secrets surrounding its ancient origins and expose the shocking truth about its modern-day production and rampant fraud. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking exploration that will forever change the way you think about this liquid gold. For those of you who listened to the original airing of the episode, there may be some extra info in this version that you may find valuable. Regardless, I hope you enjoy! A huge thanks to our guests Alex Boutsikakis and Katerina Psimogiannou for helping with this episode! Note 05/2025: I mispronounced Katerina's last name in the original airing of this episode and this remake. The error has since been corrected, but my sincere apologies to her for the mistake!Check out Alex's online store at www.villagebatch.com.

On this fascinating episode, acclaimed British Tea Museum founder, Rebecca Gildea, who steeps us in tales of how humble tea leaves fueled rebellions, shaped empires, and impacted cultures across centuries. We unpack tea's ancient origins in China and spread along the Silk Road. Rebecca shares insider knowledge on how tea taxes incited events like the Boston Tea Party, challenged monopolies, and spurred rampant smuggling. She also enlightens us on evolving tea etiquette rituals, processing methods behind different tea types, and intriguing health benefits. In this engaging interview, Rebecca ultimately helps us understand tea's evolving relevance from rise British tea culture to the modern day. The episode ends with tips on selecting quality teas. Join us for this illuminating deep dive into the rich story of tea with a foremost expert. A must-listen for tea lovers and history buffs alike!

Think popcorn is just a movie snack? Think again! Popcorn has a rich origin story spanning thousands of years before movie theaters. In this podcast episode, we uncover popcorn's surprising history and untold tales of how it rose to fame as America's favorite snack. We'll explore popcorn's ancestral roots, its early spread through society, the innovations that enabled mass production, and the health controversies that nearly doomed popcorn. You'll learn behind-the-scenes details the popcorn industry doesn't want you to know. This is the real story of how popcorn transformed from an ancient grain to a beloved global snack. Join us for an engaging deep dive into the full secret history of popcorn - from indigenous rituals to movie theater staple. You'll never view this fluffy snack the same way again after hearing its fascinating backstory filled with tradition, technology, and triumph over controversy.

Join us as we reveal our top 5 facts about vanilla, bringing you from its exotic origins to your kitchen pantry. Learn about vanilla's captivating pollination story, why it's so pricey, and the reason behind its ubiquitous presence in desserts. If you thought vanilla was plain and simple, prepare to be amazed. This episode promises a flavorful journey packed with history, botany, and gastronomy that will change the way you look at this classic flavor. Don't miss out on these tantalizing vanilla truths! #Vanilla #RealFlavor #FoodHistory #FoodCulture Sources: https://en.norohy.com/once-upon-a-time-there-was-vanilla/#:~:text=Vanilla%20Planifolia%2C%20or%20%E2%80%9CBourbon%20vanilla,floral%2C%20aniseed%2Dtinted%20flavor. https://sciencemeetsfood.org/vanilla-conquered-world/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/bittersweet-story-vanilla-180962757/

Join us for a cracking adventure as we break into the world of eggs in this bite-sized episode of "We Are What We Ate". From the surprising variety of shell colors to the nutritional content and international storage practices, we scramble up five fascinating facts you may not know about this kitchen staple. You'll learn about the relationship between a hen's diet and the yolk's color, and why eggs are refrigerated in the U.S but not in other countries. Perfect for foodies, history buffs, or anyone with an appetite for knowledge. Tune in, it's egg-citing stuff! Sources & Further Reading: 21 Fun Egg Facts 20 Things Everyone Should Know About Eggs

Get ready for a quick, flavor-packed journey in 'We Are What We Ate' as we reveal the top five fascinating facts about olive oil in just one minute. From its ancient roots to its health benefits, prepare to gain rapid-fire insights into this culinary staple. Tune in to this bite-sized episode for a swift, enlightening dive into the world of olive oil. Check out Tom Mueller's Book Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil for more fascinating olive oil facts.