Papayas in December (December 12, 2015)

Small farms can now grow raspberries, blackberries, ginger, or even tropical fruits like papayas in December without the need of expensive greenhouses. Reza Rafie has been working with simple structures called high-tunnels that can maintain a 65-degree temperature in the winter months. Wanda Johnson (Virginia State University) creates delectable dishes like papaya salad using the produce grown in these high tunnels. And: With so many nutrition studies contradicting each other, it's hard to know what to believe when it comes to food and health. Alan Levinovitz (James Madison University) says the proliferation of fad diets--rooted in myth not science--are a reaction to that confusion.

Later in the show: Most of the chestnuts roasting on open fires this winter are from Europe or Asia, not America. American chestnut trees were largely wiped out by blight. Heather Griscom (James Madison University) is helping to restore American chestnut trees. Plus: What’s Christmas without a little organ music? With Good Reason producer Kelley Libby visits one of the oldest working organs in America and brings us a private recital by Tom Marshall (William and Mary).