Savor

Listener Mail XIV: The Holiday Special

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of spending time with family and friends, we turn once again to messages from you, dear listeners! This one includes a call to cookie ac...

The Rise of the Panettone

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This sweet yeast bread is studded with treats and leavened to great heights for the holidays. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of pan...

Christmas Ham: Glazed and Infused

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday protein comes in many styles – brined, rubbed, smoked, steamed, baked – but all of them salty. Anney and Lauren dig into the science ...

Savor Side Dish: Holly, Jolly Marketing (Part 2)

24 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ah, the holidays! Because nothing says 'comfort and joy' like a marketing campaign, Anney and Lauren present another mini-episode chock full of the se...

Interview: First, We Ferment

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every human culture has developed fermentation practices – but beyond that, fermentation helped human culture develop in the first place. In this in...

Savor Classics: Latkes

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Latkes are the crispy potato pancakes associated with Hanukkah celebrations -- but they weren't always made of potato. In this classic episode, Anney ...

Savor Sips: Holly, Jolly Marketing (Part 1)

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ah, the holidays! Time for cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and more bizarre marketing campaigns than you can shake a wreath at. In this mini-episode,...

The Crystalized Cream of Tartar Episode

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This kitchen staple – useful in everything from baked goods to meringues to boiled vegetables – is a byproduct of the wine industry. Anney and Lau...

All Artichoked Up

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This tart, bitter flower bud that's eaten as a vegetable has inspired serious fans – and artists – around the world. Anney and Lauren get to the h...

The Pop Art of Pop Tarts

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This brand of prepackaged pastries, ostensibly meant to be toasted, is a success story of marketing and science. Anney and Lauren dig into the history...

Keeping the Pisco

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This South American grape brandy comes in two distinct styles that both delight drinkers in their own ways. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and ...

Good Gravy!

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This category of savory sauces covers starchy sides and keeps main dishes moist across the English-speaking world – and beyond. Anney and Lauren boi...

Savor Classics: Mushrooms

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mushrooms are a delicious, nutritious part of our diets, but they’ve more traditionally been a medicine -- and you definitely shouldn't eat wild mus...

Shelling Out: The Hazelnut Episode

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This sweet, creamy nut lends itself to snacking and all kinds of dishes, but some 90 percent of the world’s crop goes to processing for sweets. Anne...

Hot Chocolate: Just One More Round, Friend

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This rich, warming beverage can be sweet or bitter, spiced or simple, heavy or feathery light – but every iteration comes down to ground cacao. Anne...

Knishes Do Come True

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This type of single-serving pie often involves dough wrapped around another savory starch, like mashed potatoes or kasha. Anney and Lauren dig into th...

O-M-Ghee

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This cooking oil is made from butter that's been browned and clarified to produce something as delicious as it is shelf-stable. Anney and Lauren dip i...

Taylor Ham: Heads Will Pork Roll

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This processed pork product inspires fierce loyalty – and fabulous breakfasts – no matter what you call it. Anney and Lauren dig into the history ...

The Sentimental Lentil Episode

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This diminutive legume plays a giant role in the history of agriculture. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of lentils.See omnystudio.co...

A Savor Amuse-Boooooche

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Horror films are filled with scary foodstuffs, from highly suspect meat pies to the sheer anxiety of dinner parties. In this mini-episode, Anney and L...

Savor Classics: Maple Syrup

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Maple syrup has been sweetening dishes for centuries -- and it may contain the key to some futuristic medicines. In this classic episode, Anney and La...

Fictional Foods: 'Pan's Labyrinth'

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This film ties together themes of the real, historical power of food and stories via fantastical threads. Anney and Lauren explore the semi-fictional ...

The Fluffy Gnocchi Episode

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These small dumplings, though perhaps most famously made with flour and potato, can take on near infinite forms. Anney and Lauren dig into the pillowy...

Zinfandel: All We Do Is Zin

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This deep red grape, though sometimes misunderstood, helped launch California’s wine industry – and wines made from its relatives are loved across...

This Episode Is the Pear

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s apparent that this juicy, fragrant tree fruit -- whether crunchy or buttery -- is considered by many to be beyond compare. Anney and Lauren pai...

Curling Up with Dried Bonito Flakes

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This ultra-savory seasoning and soup-starter has months (or years!) of work behind every flake. Anney and Lauren smoke out the science and history of ...

Savor Classics: American Cheese

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This cheesy innovation is affordable, reduces factory waste, and melts like a dream -- but is it really food? In our classic episode, Anney and Lauren...

Dill Us In

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This herb and its seeds bring a warm yet bracing kick to dishes (and, yes, pickles) around the world. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and histor...

The Tender Injera Episode

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This sourdough flatbread isn’t only a delicious staple – it’s servingware and utensils, too. Anney and Lauren round out the history and science ...

Green Papaya Salad Days

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This highly customizable salad can incorporate a range of spicy, savory, salty, and sweet elements – but always with a base of tart, fresh, unripe p...

Pop Rocks: A Real Gas

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This novelty candy creates a popping sensation in your mouth using highly pressurized (but totally harmless) pockets of carbon dioxide. Anney and Laur...

Savor Side Dish: Put a Ranch Ring On It

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When scientists team up with brand marketers, dreams can come true – assuming you were dreaming of a diamond made of ranch seasoning. In this mini-e...

Fictional Foods: ‘Steven Universe’

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This cartoon turned media franchise features food in both very ordinary and very extraordinary situations. Anney and Lauren can’t believe we’ve co...

Hefeweizen Up

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This wheat beer owes its cloudy appearance and fruity, spicy flavors to the yeast(s) used in brewing it. Anney and Lauren explore the history and scie...

For Whom the Bell Pepper Tolls

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This large variety of pepper makes up for its lack of heat by presenting in a veritable rainbow of colors and other flavors. Anney and Lauren crack op...

Savor Classics: Pavlova

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This fluffy meringue dessert often comes with whipped cream, cut fruit, and contention. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore where pavlov...

The Spicy Masala Chai Episode

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This now nearly ubiquitous beverage developed out of a very specific blend of cultural influences. Anney and Lauren dip into the history of masala cha...

Savor Classics: Bacon

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The stuff that makes bacon delicious also made it safer to eat in the era before refrigeration -- but the same stuff also makes it less than healthy. ...

Listener Mail XIII: The Story of the Faithful Inbox

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While on our mission to record this episode, we encountered some mysterious technical difficulties – but the mail must go on. In this journey to the...

The Arepa Episode Takes the Corn Cake

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This starchy staple can be served as simple grilled bread -- or can contain multitudes. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of arepas (and precooked...

The Unexpired Twinkies Episode

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These cream-filled snack cakes may not be eternal, but they do have a long and storied past. Anney and Lauren explore the science and sticky history o...

Feta Cheese: Into the Feta-Verse

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This cheese gets its tasty tang from sheep/goat milk and aging in a brine instead of open air. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of f...

C’mon, Make Our Sorbet

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This frozen treat is deceptively simple – and thousands of years in the making. Anney and Lauren dig into the crystallized science and history of so...

The Ribbiting Frog Leg Episode

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This protein is such a popular delicacy that it’s caused conservation problems around the world. Anney and Lauren hop to the amphibious history and ...

The Wild Cloudberry Episode

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This fruit is beloved in the subarctic areas where it grows, but you pretty much have to be in one of those places to try it. Anney and Lauren dig int...

Savor Classics: The Whiskey Sour

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Despite (or perhaps due to) its simplicity, this drink is one of the most popular cocktails on the planet. In this classic cocktail (half-)hour, Anney...

The Warm and Fuzzy Rice Cooker Episode

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This appliance was created to take the fuss out of cooking rice – but modern models can do a lot more than that. Anney and Lauren dig into the scien...

Fictional Foods: 'Doctor Who'

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This British sci-fi franchise has nearly 60 years' worth of lore, including foods from restorative celery to fish fingers and custard. Anney and Laure...

Getting to the Meat of the Jamaican Jerk Episode

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This method of cooking – developed by necessity to be low, slow, and local – delivers rich flavors and textures. Anney and Lauren dig into the his...

Savor Gels with Jell-O

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This brand of gelatin and pudding dessert mixes has been adding wiggle/jiggle to American tables for over a century. Anney and Lauren explore the scie...

Getting to the Roots of the Great French Wine Blight

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this 19th century agricultural disaster, a tiny insect destroyed two-thirds of all European wine grape vineyards over the course of 40 years, chang...

Savor Classics: Tomato Ketchup

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This popular American condiment descended from fermented fish sauce and had a hand in creating the FDA. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dip ...

The Juicy Lemonade Episode

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This simple, sweet-and-tart beverage has inspired a few legends – but its true history may be stranger than fiction. Anney and Lauren dip into the s...

The Bright Sumac Episode

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Though often used in manufacturing and medicine, this lemony spice is a brilliant way to make dishes pop. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and hi...

The Packed Sardines Episode

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These small, oily fish are an important part of the food chain – and local cuisine – wherever they live. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and...

Induction Cooking: Join the Resistance

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These cooktops work by heating not the element under a pan, but rather the pan itself. Anney and Lauren explore the electromagnetic science and histor...

Sorghum Syrup: Through Thick and Thin

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This sweetener is rare in the United States today, but it’s seen us through any number of times when granulated sugar was scarce. Anney and Laur...

On the Air with Mousse

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This category of fluffy, creamy dishes can consist of almost anything – but all include air as a main component. Anney and Lauren explore the sc...

The Lowdown on Non-Alcoholic Beer

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This category of beverages is often brewed like any other beer, then treated to remove the alcohol while preserving the flavor. Anney and Lauren explo...

The Snappy Green Bean Episode

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These bean pods are widely eaten as a vegetable before their beans develop – but how they’re cooked differs just as widely. Anney and Laur...

The On-the-Ball Onigiri Episode

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This Japanese snacking staple can go in lots of directions, but it all starts with seasoned rice. Anney and Lauren fill in the history and culture of ...

Holly Frey In Conversation With Seneca Women to Hear Winners: Kris McDaniel and Andi Gordon

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Holly Frey, host of Stuff You Missed in History Class, sits down with Kris McDaniel and Andi Gordon, two winners of the Seneca Women to Hear: Search f...

Savor Classics: Eggo Waffles

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This brand of frozen, breakfast-oriented foods was the first to make waffles a no-cook convenience. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into...

Listener Mail XII: Mailbox of the Past

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We turn once again to stories from you, excellent listeners! Spoon collections, Chocobo questions, and celebrations of various kinds feature large in ...

The Express Espresso Episode

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This form of coffee is highly extracted thanks to the specialized, pressurized-steam process of making it. Anney and Lauren pull out the history and s...

Fictional Foods: 'The Hunger Games'

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Set in a dystopian future, this media franchise deals deeply with how hunger can be weaponized – and how food brings us together. Anney and Laur...

The Seasoned Cast Iron Episode

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cookware made with this material is tough but sensitive, old-fashioned but popular again. Anney and Lauren demystify the science and history of cast-i...

Savor the Date

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These sweet fruits are nutritionally dense, self-preserving, and delightful alone or in all kinds of dishes. Anney and Lauren delve into the science a...

Savor Classics: Absinthe

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Banned for a century in many places, absinthe is officially back on the market. But was it ever dangerous in the first place? In this classic episode,...

The Saucy Mole Episode

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Any entry from this category of velvety blended sauces is the star of whatever dish it appears with. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture...

The Intergalactic Butterfly Pea Flower Episode

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These brilliant blue flowers create food dyes capable of shifting from indigo to magenta and back. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science b...

Listener Mail XI: A Savor Story

30 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The mailbag returns at the hour of the galaxy’s greatest need! From recipes to wine tips and Kit-Kats to coffee, we share more stories from you,...

This Episode Has Moxie

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This beloved regional soda brand has become synonymous with nerve and verve. Anney and Lauren explore the history and fandom behind Moxie.See omnystud...

Savor Says ‘Manchego Cheese!’

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This tangy Spanish sheep’s milk cheese is thousands of years in the making. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of Manchego.See omnystudio.com...

There Is No Spoon Episode

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These basic utensils are bent to all kinds of applications: cooking, serving, eating, gifting, collecting, and beyond. Anney and Lauren explore the st...

Hold Your Horseradishes

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This bitter and pungent root vegetable adds bite to condiments, dishes, and holiday celebrations. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of...

Silence of the Lamb Cakes

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Around Easter, lamb-shaped cakes, candies, and butter sculptures grace tables around Central Europe and beyond. Anney and Lauren dig into the sticky s...

Currant Affairs

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These small berries are behind the flavor ‘purple’ throughout most of Europe, but they're almost unknown in the United States. Anney and L...

Poppin’ Off on Pillsbury

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This hydra-esque brand has been variously involved in the baking business for 150 years. Anney and Lauren explore the turns and twists of Pillsbury.Se...

Going Ham on Prosciutto di Parma Fraud

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prosciutto crudo from Parma, Italy is the world’s most famous – and most frequently fraudulent. Anney and Lauren explore the production la...

A Riesling to Be

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This adaptable white wine can come young or old, sweet or dry, mineral or creamy – but always with a one-two acid-honey punch. Anney and Lauren ...

Savor Classics: 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should you find yourself in an unfamiliar star system without your copy of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', this classic episode will help fill...

The Crystalized Instant Coffee Episode

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This beverage is quick and easy to make thanks to a long, complex history of technological innovations. Anney and Lauren brew up the science and histo...

The Tingly Sichuan Peppercorn Episode

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This complex spice adds a flavorful, slightly hot, strangely numbing punch to dishes around China and beyond. Anney and Lauren dig into the science an...

The Mozzarella Episode Is a Bit of a Stretch

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This fresh cheese gets its spring and string from being worked like a dough as it’s made. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of m...

It’s a Nice Day for a Black Pudding

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This savory sausage, often served at breakfast, traditionally gets its rich color and flavor from blood. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and ety...

The Marvelous, Mighty Mango

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This tropical tree fruit inspires some serious fandom (and research). Anney & Lauren dig into the sweet science and history of mangoes.See omnystu...

Illuminating Aluminum Foil

05 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This flexible, durable, lightweight metal foil changed how we preserve foods — once it became less expensive than gold. Anney and Lauren take a ...

Savor Classics: McDonald's

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the biggest fast food chain in the world, but this behemoth has humble beginnings. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the ambition...

Cocktail Hour: The Sazerac

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This classic New Orleans cocktail is almost as storied as the city that created it. Anney and Lauren dip into the history of the Sazerac. Learn more ...

Fictional Foods: 'Downton Abbey'

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This television series and its following films feature detailed depictions of Edwardian-era dining from the perspective of both the aristocratic class...

The Crusty Baguette Episode

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This long, skinny loaf of bread is deceptively simple and deeply loved. Anney and Lauren tear into the history and science behind the baguette. Learn...

Soaking in the Sunflowers

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These large, lovely flowers each bear hundreds of seeds, prized for snacking and oil production alike. Anney and Lauren stick by ya -- and by the hist...

Savor Chews on Toothpicks

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These small utensils, most often made of disposable wood, bamboo, or plastic, find use across all kinds of hygienic and structural applications. Anney...

A Layered Look at Biryani

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This one-pot, rice-based main dish has infinite iterations that all come down to comfort. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind bir...

Listener Mail X: Rogue Mail

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We return once again with mail from y’all -- a set of stories perhaps not in our main timeline, but distinctly from the Savor universe, including di...

Savor Classics: Candy Hearts

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chalky candy hearts printed with sweet (or salty!) messages are apparently the most prolific candy of Valentine's Day. In this classic episode, Anney ...

Fortune Favors the Kumquat

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This small citrus(y) fruit can be eaten whole like a grape or cooked into sweet and savory dishes aplenty. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and h...

The Vinous Barley Wine Episode

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This style of beer ekes wine-level alcohol content (and big flavors) out of malted barley. Anney and Lauren barrel right into the history and science ...

Fictional Foods: 'Redwall'

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This children’s fantasy franchise features food descriptions so lush that they’re one of the first things fans talk about. Anney and Lauren get ca...