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.

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!

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.

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. 

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! 

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.

You'll learn surprising facts about how tea fueled empires and trade and why it’s so healthy for us. We'll also cover proper tea brewing techniques, buyers guides, and modern cultural dilemmas facing our society today.

So prepare to brew a quick cuppa and join us soon for this exploration into the rich story of this beloved beverage.

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.

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 international and American attitudes.

A must-listen for foodies, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys surprising stories. Kinder eggs are just the appetizer - don't miss the main course on this special edition of We Are What We Ate!

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/

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 vanilla cultivation, the heroic role of pollinators, and why this delicate orchid product has come to command higher prices than silver. Whisking together history, gastronomy, and a dash of intrigue, this episode is a decadent treat that's anything but 'vanilla'. Tune in for a taste of this complex flavor story.

Sources:

https://www.linnean.org/news/2019/10/16/edmond-albius

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/bittersweet-story-vanilla-180962757/

https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-vanilla-is-processed-1136407

https://sciencemeetsfood.org/vanilla-conquered-world/

https://www.acs.org/pressroom/newsreleases/2022/august/chemical-secrets-behind-vanillas-allure.html