This episode, we tell an age-old tale: an innocent young berry heads west to make its fame and fortune—but sells its soul in the process. In order for our hero, the strawberry, to defeat its nemesis, a fungus called wilt, the aromatic red fruit makes a deal with the devil—and duly becomes America’s favorite berry. But its success relies on fumigants, toxic gases injected into the soil that kill everything in their path. So what are fumigants; what’s their effect on farm workers, local communities, and the environment; and can the strawberry break free of their poisonous grip? Listen in this episode to find out!
Why Are Restaurants So Loud? Plus the Science Behind the Perfect Playlist
The Food Explorer (encore)
Meet the Most Famous American You’ve Never Heard Of: His Legacy is Excellent French Fries and Monsanto
All You Can Eat: The True Story Behind America's Most Popular Seafood
The World Is Your Oyster: How Our Favorite Shellfish Could Save Coastlines Worldwide
Eat This, Not That: The Surprising Science of Personalized Nutrition (encore)
Bam! How Did Cajun Flavor Take Over the World?
Anything's Pastable (Guest Episode)
Can You Patent a Pizza?
Super Fry: The Fight for the Golden Frite (encore)
Dining at the (Other) Top of the World: Hunger, Fruitcake, and the Race to Reach the South Pole
Dining at the Top of the World: Arctic Adaptation, Abundance, and...Ice Cream
Cork Dork: Inside the Weird World of Wine Appreciation (encore)
It's Tea Time: Pirates, Polyphenols, and a Proper Cuppa (encore)
The Case of the Confusing Bitter Beverages: Vermouth, Amaro, Aperitivos, and Other Botanical Schnapps
Rice, Rice Baby
Ask Gastropod: White Chocolate, Jimmies, Chile vs. Mustard Burns, and Asparagus Pee
Pumpkin Spice Hero: The Thrilling But Tragic True Story of Nutmeg
Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit
Raised and Glazed: Don’t Doubt the Doughnut
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On Being with Krista Tippett
TED Radio Hour
Great Expectations
Pollyanna
Planet Money
The Dinner Party Download