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

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

Embark on a flavorful journey with 'We Are What We Ate.' This podcast serves a delicious blend of food history and cultural insights. From ancient spice routes to modern culinary trends, we dish up stories that unite us all. Join us for an intriguing tour through the annals of eating. Our past is tied to our food – we are what we ate. Subscribe and savor the history! #FoodHistory #FoodCulture #FoodIndustry #Cooking #FoodScience #Gastronomy #Anthropology

Episodes

October 25, 2023 23 mins

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 explor...

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In this episode, I talk to Hans Berhuijsen, who is the owner of Oil & Vinegar's Utrecht store location in the Netherlands, about olive oil, vinegar, and his experience as an entrepreneur in Europe. This is our full, unabridged interview and I hope you enjoy the listen!

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Green tea and matcha - they're both green teas, so is there a big difference? In this quick explainer episode, Rebecca Gildea helps demystify the distinction between these two healthy green teas.

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In this short episode, I ask Rebecca Gildea (whom you may remember from the tea episode) to give perspective on the classic scone and whether one should put jam or cream first?

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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. 

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Coming soon to the podcast, we go on an engaging tour through tea's fascinating history and culture - from ancient Chinese dynasties to Elizabethan England to the implications and uses of it today. 


We are privileged to be joined by acclaimed British Tea Museum Founder, Rebecca Gildea. Rebecca shares about tea's origins in China, how tea became such a sensation, and proper tea etiquette that everyone should know.


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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 th...

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Find out the shocking truth behind the ban on Kinder Surprise eggs in America. This special episode of We Are What We Ate explores how Ferrero's iconic chocolate treats got caught in the crosshairs of strict US food safety laws.


Join us as we crack open the curious history and cultural controversy around these forbidden candies. This deep dive into Kinder eggs reveals tales of regulation gone wrong and clashes between int...

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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 ...

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July 5, 2023 7 mins

Dive into the enchanting world of vanilla in this flavorful episode of "We Are What We Ate". Shattering the stereotype of 'plain vanilla', we unravel the fascinating history and intricate processes behind this beloved spice. From its ancient Meso-American origins to the high-stakes industry that revolves around it today, this is a journey through time, culture, and cuisine. Learn about the art and history of vanil...

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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 refrige...

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June 21, 2023 8 mins

In this episode of 'We Are What We Ate', we invite you to join us as we traverse the versatile and intriguing world of eggs. Unearth the compelling stories behind one of nature's most humble yet complex ingredients. We begin by investigating their critical role in international cuisines, then broaden our scope to reveal how eggs have permeated and influenced diverse cultures worldwide. Follow us as we meticulously trace...

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June 14, 2023 1 min

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 Sc...

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Join us on a captivating journey through time and deceit 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 perceive this liquid gold.


A huge thanks to our guests Alex Boutsikakis and Kater...

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