Savor

Savor digs into how people live and how they eat – and why. Hosts Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum interview the culinary creators and consumers of the world, exploring the science, history, and culture of food and drink, all with a key question in mind: Why do we like what we like, and how can we find more of those things?

Food
Places & Travel
Society & Culture
26
Baby Corn: The Real Children of the Corn
These diminutive ears of corn, eaten whole as a vegetable, actually are young corn cobs. Anney and Lauren hope you’ll be all ears for the history and science of baby corn.
39 min
27
Fictional Foods: Adventure Time
This fantastical cartoon series frequently features characters (many of whom are anthropomorphic foods) eating -- or avoiding being eaten. Anney and Lauren explore the distant lands, foods, and drinks of Adventure Time.
51 min
28
A Granular Look at Wild Rice
This North American grain is technically neither rice nor truly wild, but has been cared for and harvested by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science behind wild rice.
31 min
29
A Whole New Beaujolais Nouveau
This fruit-forward wine is released just two months after the grapes’ harvest (thanks to some specific fermentation and dissemination practices). Anney and Lauren get fresh with the history and science of Beaujolais Nouveau.
36 min
30
Savor Classics: Turkey Talk
The turkey is a study in contradictions: majestic yet ridiculous, ridiculous yet aggressive, prized for feasts yet often poorly cooked, and definitely NOT from Turkey. In this classic episode, we cover everything turkey, from cooking tips to snood science.
48 min
31
Scallops: A Feast for the Eyes
These mollusks are prized for their delicate meat and divine shells alike. Anney and Lauren dip into the history, aquaculture, and biology of scallops.
47 min
32
A Cumin Interest Story
This warm, earthy spice has made its place in comforting cuisine around the world. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of cumin.
31 min
33
Poutine: Good Gravy
This hearty dish of fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy, though once looked down upon, has earned its place as a global trend. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture behind poutine.
40 min
34
Liquid Smoke and Mirrors
This product, made of real smoke from smoldering wood, is used as a seasoning and safety measure alike. Anney and Lauren blow through the science and history of liquid smoke. (p.s. mirrors aren't liquid; glass is an amorphous solid)
39 min
35
Food Fairy Tales: The Mad Tea Party
'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ focuses on a Victorian girl’s curiosity about (and frustration with) the absurdities of adulthood and society, often exemplified with food. Anney and Lauren discuss Lewis Carroll’s novels, and are joined by Ben Bowlin, Miranda Hawkins, and Dylan Fagan for a dramatic reading of the chapter ‘A Mad Tea-Party’.
50 min
36
White Chocolate: Wouldst Thou Like the Taste of...
This sometimes maligned candy is made from the fats of cacao seeds, not the solids, resulting in a subtle and smooth form of chocolate. Anney and Lauren dip into the buttery science and backwards history of white chocolate.
40 min
37
Beets by Savor
This versatile vegetable is used for its tasty taproot, leafy greens, and sugar production capacity. Anney and Lauren dig into the earthy history and sweet science of beets.
45 min
38
A Tall Drink of Horchata
This category of beverages encompasses a continuum of often creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet nondairy drinks – and beyond. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of horchata.
26 min
39
Savor Classics: Food in SFX
On film, many foods are made of non-food items and many non-food items are made of food. Movie magic! In this classic episode, we speak with special effects artist Vii Kelly about inexpensive edible gore, plus go into the history of food effects in movies and television.
56 min
40
Gouda Lord Help
This long-beloved cheese starts sweet and simple, but can be aged and smoked into a number of specific styles. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of Gouda.
30 min
41
Listener Mail VIII: The Last Inbox
We return once again to stories from you, dear listeners! From pierogis and prosciutto to blueberries and burgers (both Bob’s and beyond), Anney and Lauren dive into the inbox -- and it will not be the last.
38 min
42
Pining for Rosemary
This herb has been used in foods, drinks, medicines, and religious practices since time immemorial. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of rosemary.
41 min
43
The Candy-Coated M&M’s Episode
These chocolate candies in a sugar shell have inspired colorful debate and serious science. Anney and Lauren get the history and culture of M&M’s in the bag.
45 min
44
The Odd Duck Episode
This waterfowl is raised for its eggs, and the whole animal is used in different ways in cuisines around the world. Anney and Lauren flock to the science and history behind ducks.
41 min
45
Borscht: You’re Hot and You’re Cold
This soup comes in many styles and variations, incorporating broth with beets and beyond to create a satisfying (and often slightly sour) dish. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and cultures behind borscht.
35 min
46
Getting a Grip on Chopsticks
These utensils come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials specialized to the type of eating, cooking, and serving they’re intended for. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind chopsticks.
43 min
47
Fictional Foods: 'Bob's Burgers'
This animated sitcom relays the (mis)adventures of the Belchers as they live and work around the titular family restaurant. Anney and Lauren explore the history, culture, and many puns of ‘Bob’s Burgers’.
41 min
48
The Downlow on Merlot
Winemakers use this grape to produce soft, fruity red wines and balanced blends. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and only slightly sideways history of merlot.
35 min
49
Savor Classics: Cheddar Cheese
This quintessential English cheese has a history cut with myth, fraud, and war. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of cheddar cheese.
28 min
50
Quinoa: Going Against the Grain
This Andean seed has seen a global boom in use as a grain substitute over the past couple of decades. Anney and Lauren sort through the science and history of quinoa.
39 min