NPR News: With Meals Made Of Gold, Chefs Certainly Know How To Feed The Ego

With Meals Made Of Gold, Chefs Certainly Know How To Feed The Ego
Gold is tasteless, odorless and has zero nutritional value, but it's appearing in everything from hamburgers to $1,000 sundaes. Much of it amounts to publicity stunts, though sometimes it's pure art.

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NPR News: Fact Or Fiction? Even When It Comes To Food, It's Hard To Tell With Rasputin

Fact Or Fiction? Even When It Comes To Food, It's Hard To Tell With Rasputin
Worshipful female followers fought for the Mad Monk's leftover bread crusts. His infamous sweet tooth led to his death. Or did it? A century later, rumors about Russia's czarina whisperer still swirl.

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NPR News: Save The Monkeys, Save The Trees, Sell The Chocolate

Save The Monkeys, Save The Trees, Sell The Chocolate
An enterprise-minded ecologist from England is helping endangered brown-headed spider monkeys in Ecuador by connecting their preservation to high-end chocolate.

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NPR News: A Sip Of History: The Hidden Wine Cellars Under The Brooklyn Bridge

A Sip Of History: The Hidden Wine Cellars Under The Brooklyn Bridge
The cool, dark caverns were a perfect place to store even the most delicate wines — and the income they generated helped offset construction costs of the massive 19th-century engineering project.

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NPR News: Can New DNA Science Help Keep Our Fish Safe?

Can New DNA Science Help Keep Our Fish Safe?
Scientists are experimenting with species' environmental DNA to find out how far and how fast it travels in streams. The technology is starting to revolutionize how we protect native animals.

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NPR News: Mississippi Masala: How A Native Of India Became A Southern Cooking Star

Mississippi Masala: How A Native Of India Became A Southern Cooking Star
Food has always been a big part of Southern identity. These days, one of the region's best chefs is Vish Bhatt, a man born 9,000 miles away. And his Indian-inflected cuisine reflects a changing South.

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NPR News: Celebrating Lunar New Year With The Woman Who Changed Chinese Food In The U.S.

Celebrating Lunar New Year With The Woman Who Changed Chinese Food In The U.S.
Many Chinese-Americans are celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year Saturday. We'll meet the 97-year-old who helped revolutionize Chinese food in America and find out how she's celebrating.

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NPR News: U.S. Wins Bocuse D'Or Cooking Competition For The First Time

U.S. Wins Bocuse D'Or Cooking Competition For The First Time
NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with Mathew Peters, the head chef for the U.S. team for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition. They were the first Americans to win the competition in the 30-year history of the contest.

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NPR News: Milk Producers Pay Back Millions In Price-Fixing Settlement

Milk Producers Pay Back Millions In Price-Fixing Settlement
Between 2003 and 2010, a dairy industry group paid farmers to get out of the dairy game. They were trying to raise milk prices, but it meant slaughtering a lot of cows. An animal rights group was not happy, so they decided to sue on behalf of milk consumers. Now, if you bought milk in some states since 2003, you might be eligible for a payout.

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NPR News: Syria Supper Club: Reaching Out to Refugees, One Dinner at a Time

Syria Supper Club: Reaching Out to Refugees, One Dinner at a Time
In New Jersey, Muslim refugees join groups of mostly Jewish Americans to hold informal dinner parties that are part fundraiser, part bridge-builder.

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NPR News: For The First Time, U.S. Wins Elite Bocuse D'Or Culinary Competition

For The First Time, U.S. Wins Elite Bocuse D'Or Culinary Competition
The competition pits 24 chefs against each other and is billed as the "most demanding and prestigious reward in world gastronomy," started by legendary French chef Paul Bocuse.

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NPR News: Trump's Labor Pick Faces Slew Of Legal Complaints From Fast-Food Workers

Trump's Labor Pick Faces Slew Of Legal Complaints From Fast-Food Workers
Andrew Puzder runs the empire behind Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. So far, 33 current and ex-employees have alleged wage theft, harassment and discrimination at his company. The industry stands by its man.

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NPR News: Sri Lanka's 'Kithul' Palm Syrup: An Ancient Sweetener In Need Of Saving

Sri Lanka's 'Kithul' Palm Syrup: An Ancient Sweetener In Need Of Saving
Sri Lanka's most popular sweetener is disappearing, due to the destruction of rainforests, inconsistent yields, intensive labor and a fading workforce. And turning the tide isn't going to be easy.

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NPR News: If These Trees Don't Get Time To Chill, Farmers Will Be Out On A Limb

If These Trees Don't Get Time To Chill, Farmers Will Be Out On A Limb
Tree crops like pistachios, peaches and almonds need a certain amount of cold weather every year. But scientists say that California's climate may become too warm for them to grow there.

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NPR News: These Monks Have A Calling: Making Fresh Italian Cheese ... In India

These Monks Have A Calling: Making Fresh Italian Cheese ... In India
Cheese is gaining popularity in this South Asian country, but it is mostly imported and expensive. An Indian-based monastery with Italian roots is trying to change that — by making it themselves.

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NPR News: Spain's 'Robin Hood Restaurant' Charges The Rich And Feeds The Poor

Spain's 'Robin Hood Restaurant' Charges The Rich And Feeds The Poor
As the country reels from its financial crisis, a new restaurant, run by a Catholic priest, lets paying daytime customers foot the dinner bill for homeless people to dine with dignity — and style.

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NPR News: 'Speed Dating' For Farmers And Chefs: ISO A Perfect Local-Food Match

'Speed Dating' For Farmers And Chefs: ISO A Perfect Local-Food Match
Farmers are shy; chefs are ferocious. But they need each other to put local food on restaurant tables. A "speed-dating" event in Washington, D.C. matches farmers with chefs, aided by free beer.

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NPR News: A Chocolate Candy Aims To Make The World Think About Hunger

A Chocolate Candy Aims To Make The World Think About Hunger
Three master chefs created a special candy 'to raise awareness on food waste and hunger' and served it at Davos, where the intellectual elite meet to ponder the world's problems.

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NPR News: Farm Of The Future: What Grows In Las Vegas Stays In Las Vegas

Farm Of The Future: What Grows In Las Vegas Stays In Las Vegas
Crops like radishes, jicama and cilantro will soon be grown close to the Strip, so restaurants will have immediate access to fresh ingredients, instead of having to wait for trucks from California.

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NPR News: Will Trump's Tough Talk On Immigration Cause A Labor Shortage?

Will Trump's Tough Talk On Immigration Cause A Labor Shortage?
In California, agriculture depends on immigrant labor. As Trump takes office, those involved in the state's huge farming industry are wondering how his hard-line stance will affect them.

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NPR News: Trump's Pick To Lead USDA Heads To Washington With Some Political Baggage

Trump's Pick To Lead USDA Heads To Washington With Some Political Baggage
Sonny Perdue, who's been named to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has held many political offices in his home state of Georgia. Farmers liked him. Environmentalists, not so much.

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NPR News: FDA Issues New Seafood Advice For Moms-To-Be. Not Everyone Is Thrilled

FDA Issues New Seafood Advice For Moms-To-Be. Not Everyone Is Thrilled
Concerns about mercury contamination have led many pregnant women to under-consume seafood. So the FDA issued a new chart explaining what to eat and what to avoid. But critics say it muddles matters.

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NPR News: Are There More Than Five Basic Tastes?

Are There More Than Five Basic Tastes?
Scientists have long believed we have just five tastes - salty, sweet, bitter, sour and umami (or savory). Geneticist Nicole Garneau argues we might be able to taste a sixth — fat.

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NPR News: Why America Is Growing The Most Sweet Potatoes Since WWII

Why America Is Growing The Most Sweet Potatoes Since WWII
These sugary spuds are cheap and easy to grow, but the rise of postwar industrialization and processed foods made them less popular. Now, fad diets and trendy restaurants have sparked a renaissance.

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NPR News: Organic Chickens Get More Room To Roam

Organic Chickens Get More Room To Roam
New rules for organic farming will require farmers to give chickens more pasture. Some of the biggest organic egg producers will have to change their practices, or stop calling their eggs organic.

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NPR News: Not Just A Crock: The Viral Word-Of-Mouth Success Of Instant Pot

Not Just A Crock: The Viral Word-Of-Mouth Success Of Instant Pot
Launched in 2010, the multifunction cooker became a sleeper hit last year. That's when its maker harnessed the enthusiasm of owners – self-dubbed "addicts" – to spread the word online.

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NPR News: Chamoy Is Mexico's Flavor Fiesta Condiment, Courtesy Of China

Chamoy Is Mexico's Flavor Fiesta Condiment, Courtesy Of China
Fruity, sweet, spicy and salty all at once, this frenzied treat for your taste buds takes many forms — from sauces to seasonings to candy. And its journey from Asia to Mexico took hundreds of years.

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NPR News: Food as Medicine: It's Not Just a Fringe Idea Anymore

Food as Medicine: It's Not Just a Fringe Idea Anymore
Treating people through nutrition is not a new idea, but it's making new inroads as more medical professionals make meals a formal part of care, rather than relying solely on medications.

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NPR News: How Chickens Shifted From Sacred To Diet Staple

How Chickens Shifted From Sacred To Diet Staple
For the last three years, researchers in the United Kingdom have been studying the lowly chicken, and they say there's much more to the ubiquitous bird than many people realize.

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NPR News: Bountiful Beach Buffet: Fresh Seaweed Is Making Waves Among Foragers

Bountiful Beach Buffet: Fresh Seaweed Is Making Waves Among Foragers
Ocean algae is plentiful and grows rapidly, and most of it is safe to eat. People have been harvesting seaweed for thousands of years, but now it's become so popular, you can even take a class.

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NPR News: For People With Developmental Disabilities, Food Work Means More Self Reliance

For People With Developmental Disabilities, Food Work Means More Self Reliance
Finding a job and building a life of their own can be a monumental challenge for people with developmental disabilities. But food work can be a good fit for many of them.

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NPR News: Ring In 'Lemony Snicket' On Netflix With A Series Of Unfortunate Recipes

Ring In 'Lemony Snicket' On Netflix With A Series Of Unfortunate Recipes
In the children's books, food is practically a supporting character. So why not welcome the poor Baudelaire orphans with a delightfully miserable repast while binge-watching the new show?

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NPR News: This Food Critic Will Take The Taco. Again. And Again. And Again.

This Food Critic Will Take The Taco. Again. And Again. And Again.
Mike Sutter is eating at a different San Antonio taqueria every day of 2017 for his "365 Days of Tacos" project. And he's discovering a lot about the city's culture in the process.

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NPR News: '365 Days Of Tacos' Highlights A Staple Of San Antonio Culture

'365 Days Of Tacos' Highlights A Staple Of San Antonio Culture
It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. NPR's Kelly McEvers talks to Mike Sutter, food critic for the San Antonio Express-News, about his "365 Days of Tacos" series where he reports on a different taco joint every day for a year. So far, he's found that tacos have become a staple of the city and culture.

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NPR News: As Rains Soak California, Farmers Test How To Store Water Underground

As Rains Soak California, Farmers Test How To Store Water Underground
After years of drought, California is getting drenched with rains. Some scientists and farmers are testing a way to capture that water by filling the state's depleted groundwater aquifers.

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NPR News: How A Destitute, Abandoned Parisian Boy Became The First Celebrity Chef

How A Destitute, Abandoned Parisian Boy Became The First Celebrity Chef
Marie-Antoine Carême died 184 years ago today. But in his short lifetime, he would forever revolutionize French haute cuisine and gain worldwide fame. Some of his concepts are still in use.

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NPR News: Why Going Organic Just Got Easier For Farmers

Why Going Organic Just Got Easier For Farmers
Farmers have to follow organic rules for three years before they can sell their food as certified organic. That transition period can mean much lower profits. But a new certification may change that.

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NPR News: As Big Milk Moves In, Family-Owned U.S. Dairy Farms Rapidly Fold

As Big Milk Moves In, Family-Owned U.S. Dairy Farms Rapidly Fold
Large-scale dairy farms are more lucrative, and national milk production has actually increased. But small farmers like David Fuller, who is auctioning off his last herd, see their way of life dying.

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NPR News: A New Type Of Food Pantry Is Sprouting In Yards Across America

A New Type Of Food Pantry Is Sprouting In Yards Across America
Similar to "little free library" boxes that are filled with free books, these "blessing boxes" are stocked with food and toiletries for people in need to take — anonymously and whenever they want.

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NPR News: 52 Million-Year-Old Tomatillo Fossil Rewrites Veggie History

52 Million-Year-Old Tomatillo Fossil Rewrites Veggie History
Potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers belong to the nightshade family. A newly discovered fossil in Patagonia suggests that family started much earlier than believed, perhaps when dinosaurs roamed.

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NPR News: Warmer Oceans Could Boost The Toxins In Your Shellfish Dinner

Warmer Oceans Could Boost The Toxins In Your Shellfish Dinner
A new study finds a link between warming waters and a dangerous neurotoxin that builds up in species like Dungeness crab, clams and mussels — and harms us if we eat them.

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NPR News: As Venezuelans Go Hungry, The Military Is Trafficking In Food

As Venezuelans Go Hungry, The Military Is Trafficking In Food
Venture into the black markets and you'll find foods unavailable in the cheaper state-run grocery stores. The military isn't just running the markets — it's getting rich off them, an AP probe finds.

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NPR News: Bears Ears Monument Is A Win For Tribal Food Sovereignty. Will Trump Undo It?

Bears Ears Monument Is A Win For Tribal Food Sovereignty. Will Trump Undo It?
The newly created monument preserves 1.3 million acres in Utah where natives have foraged for millennia. But critics who point to the land's energy extraction potential want the designation undone.

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NPR News: Pining For A Cozy Winter Drink? Try An Evergreen Liqueur

Pining For A Cozy Winter Drink? Try An Evergreen Liqueur
In Europe, pine-flavored spirits are a staple at ski lodges, but the idea has been slow to catch on in the U.S. As more American distilleries experiment with trees, however, that is changing.

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NPR News: Would You Eat This Fish? A Shark Called Dogfish Makes A Tasty Taco

Would You Eat This Fish? A Shark Called Dogfish Makes A Tasty Taco
About 90 percent of the fish Americans eat is imported, yet fish caught off our shores is often exported. New efforts are promoting locally caught fish, especially ones we've never appreciated before.

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NPR News: Dinner in Appalachia: Finding Common Ground In Trump Country

Dinner in Appalachia: Finding Common Ground In Trump Country
Appalachia is thousands of miles from Nigeria. But at a potluck dinner in rural Kentucky, natives of the two places found points of connection between their cultures.

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NPR News: A Detroit Urban Farm Preserves Black History In Jam Form

A Detroit Urban Farm Preserves Black History In Jam Form
Urban farms have flourished in the city's vacant lots. Two nonprofits are using their harvest for a line of jams honoring the history and old family recipes of the local African-American community.

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NPR News: A Big Fish Sells For Over Half A Million — But Other Big Questions Persist

A Big Fish Sells For Over Half A Million — But Other Big Questions Persist
For the sixth year in a row, Kiyoshi Kimura won a massive Pacific bluefin tuna at Tsukiji market's famed New Year auction. Conservationists are worried about the species' dwindling population.

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NPR News: New Guidelines Recommend When To Introduce Peanuts To Babies

New Guidelines Recommend When To Introduce Peanuts To Babies
New guidelines recommend introducing babies to peanut containing foods in the first year of their lives. The recommendations are based on studies that show early introduction of peanuts to infants reduces their risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life.

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NPR News: Fishing Rule Aims To Do For All Marine Mammals What It Did For The Dolphin

Fishing Rule Aims To Do For All Marine Mammals What It Did For The Dolphin
Foreign fisheries exporting seafood to the U.S. will now have to meet the same standards for protecting whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals as American fisheries do.

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NPR News: The Next Generation Of Farmers Is Being Trained In New York City High Schools

The Next Generation Of Farmers Is Being Trained In New York City High Schools
At Johne Bowne High School in Queens, along with literature and math, some 600 city public school students also learn the basics of farming, wine-making and aquaculture, among other skills.

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NPR News: A Plant-Based Atkins Diet? It Works, Says New Ranking Of Top Weight-Loss Plans

A Plant-Based Atkins Diet? It Works, Says New Ranking Of Top Weight-Loss Plans
U.S. News and World Report's annual list of Best Diets is out, and while reviewers have a few beefs with the regular Atkins Diet, the veggie version gets high marks. So do other plant-based diets.

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