I am a podcast addict, and am continuously scouting for new podcasts to listen to on the train, on a run, while I am cooking, or – my favorite – to make a cleaning spree a little more bearable. I thought I’d share some of my new discoveries from time to time, especially since it is such a dynamic and quick-paced media where new ones are popping up constantly.
My newest favorite discovery is the Table To Farm podcast hosted by Slate. Turning the Farm-To-Table idea on its head, the hosts pick a food and then trace the origins and interesting stories of its ingredients – and in the end cook and eat it as well! It’s a really well-done mix of foodie delights, interesting interviews regarding history, culture and even ethical arguments around food. You can find the recipe they serve in the end, and links to all the issues they discuss, on the podcast’s homepage as well – I am a fan!
Image by Flickr-user rajthesnapper, via Flickr CC.
The one I listened to last was on the topic of Pork Butt (which apparently is not what it sounds like since it comes from the shoulder part of the pig – who knew?). In tracing back the recipe, the hosts talk about the ethics of eating pigs, as well as humane versus industrial farming methods; environmental impacts of the pork industry; heritage pork and the myriad of pork products; and how lard was vilified in the 20th century (there is another fascinating Planet Money podcast on that).
Other foods they trace back are a Coca-Cola cake (with a great discussion of the soda tax), Foccaccia, and Apple Crisp. The only drawback: you get really, really hungry while you listen… (also, a more serious 🙁 is that there are only a limited number of episodes – I think it was only a side project of Slate… but still!)
Check out the podcast series here, the Pork Butt episode here, or just listen to it below:
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