Food : NPR

Bhutan Bets Organic Agriculture Is The Road To Happiness

A Bhutanese farmer puts her harvest of chilies on the roof of a shed to dry and protect it from wild boars, deer, and monkeys in 2006. James L. Stanfield/National Geographic/Getty Images hide caption

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James L. Stanfield/National Geographic/Getty Images

The Salt

Bhutan Bets Organic Agriculture Is The Road To Happiness

July 31, 2012 • Bhutan wants to be the first country in the world to convert to a 100 percent agricultural system. Many farmers in Bhutan are already organic, which experts say should make the transition relatively easy.

Thank The Simple Wasp For That Complex Glass Of Wine

The European hornet, or vespa crabro, helps make wine by kickstarting the fermentation process while the grapes are still on the vine. Otto Hahn/Getty Images/Picture Press RM hide caption

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Otto Hahn/Getty Images/Picture Press RM

The Salt

Thank The Simple Wasp For That Complex Glass Of Wine

July 31, 2012 • Don't swat away that buzzing wasp. It may help spread the yeast that starts the fermentation process in grapes while they're still on the vine. The yeast carried by the wasp give wine its complexity, scientists say.

Thank The Simple Wasp For That Complex Glass Of Wine

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Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!

Sandwich Monday: The Crunchwrap Supreme

July 30, 2012 • The Crunchwrap Supreme is, in the words of Taco Bell, engineered "for maximum portability." We gave the octagonal taco a try.

The Salt

Okra: Love The Veggie, Lose The Slime

July 30, 2012 • Okra is becoming more popular outside of the American South as chefs find ways to tame the vegetable's tendency to get slimy when cooked for long periods of time. Okra likely originated in Africa, and was brought to the U.S. by slaves.

Fun And (Olympic) Games, On National Cheesecake Day

There's evidence the first Olympic athletes ate cheesecake, but it probably looked a lot different than this. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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Fun And (Olympic) Games, On National Cheesecake Day

July 30, 2012 • Some food holidays are pure marketing, but at least this one has a bit of Olympic history behind it. Some of the first Olympians were said to have dined on cheesecakes, although they sound a bit different from cheesecakes today.

In New Mexico, A Brittle Treat That Smolders

Nut brittles from the Las Cruces Candy Company are studded with pecans, pistachios and almonds, and infused with New Mexico's signature chili peppers — both green and red. Melisa Goh/NPR hide caption

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Melisa Goh/NPR

Americandy: Sweet Land Of Liberty

In New Mexico, A Brittle Treat That Smolders

July 29, 2012 • In Las Cruces, a candy shop whips up nut brittle made with red and green chili powder almost daily. Luis Flores' parents started in the candy business four decades ago. Today, you'll find his spicy brittle in farmer's markets and gift shops across the Southwest.

In New Mexico, A Brittle Treat That Smolders

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You Won't Throw Tomatoes At These Recipes

Chef Cassy Vires uses heirloom tomatoes like these in her tomato terrine. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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'Weekend Edition's' Taste Of Summer

You Won't Throw Tomatoes At These Recipes

July 28, 2012 • Delicious in everything from terrine to sorbet, the versatile tomato is one of the signature tastes of summer. Chef Cassy Vires, of Home Wine Kitchen in Maplewood, Mo., shares some of her favorite summer tomato recipes.

You Won't Throw Tomatoes At These Recipes

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Seven Strange Food Museums To Spice Up Your Summer Travel Plans

A tunnel timeline showcasing the history of instant ramen at the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka, Japan. Travis Sanders/Flickr hide caption

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Travis Sanders/Flickr

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Seven Strange Food Museums To Spice Up Your Summer Travel Plans

July 27, 2012 • Curious about the history of currywurst? Searching for some facts about Spam? Unusual museums worldwide celebrate their favorite foods. And summer is a good time to check them out.

McDonald's Food Has A Healthy Glow, At Least In China

Tomatoes getting a splash of water reinforces the notion that McDonald's food is wholesome in China, as seen in this video screengrab. McDonald's China hide caption

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McDonald's China

The Salt

McDonald's Food Has A Healthy Glow, At Least In China

July 27, 2012 • A new ad by McDonald's China reinforces the brand's image in the country as healthful and wholesome. And it will work, a market analyst says, because the Chinese trust that American food brands are safer than their own.

McDonald's Food Has A Healthy Glow, At Least In China

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Watermelon with seeds is getting harder to find at the supermarket. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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The Salt

Where Did All The Watermelon Seeds Go?

July 26, 2012 • Seedless watermelons are easier to eat than traditional ones, but are we sacrificing flavor? Plant breeders say watermelons have been bred to enhance flavor and convenience, and argue that seedless ones are usually sweeter.

The Salt

Designer Kitchens And Why We Think We Need Them

July 26, 2012 • Trophy kitchens rule the real estate market, but fewer of us than ever actually cook, or need granite counters and Viking ranges. It's more about the look than the practicality, one realtor admits.

The Salt

Pizza Museum To Offer A Slice Of American Food And Culture

WHYY

July 25, 2012 • Some pizza lovers in Philadelphia are taking their affection for the popular food to a new level by opening a museum and restaurant. It will include pieces from the world's largest collection of pizza-related items and, of course, real slices of pizza for sale.

Pizza Museum To Offer A Slice Of American Food And Culture

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Meat Producers And, Ultimately, Consumers Hurt By Drought

These piglets on the Hardin farm in Danville, Ind., are going to cost more to feed than they will fetch at market. Dan Charles/NPR hide caption

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Dan Charles/NPR

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Meat Producers And, Ultimately, Consumers Hurt By Drought

July 25, 2012 • The crops taking the worst hit from the current drought are the ones we feed to animals, like corn. Higher corn prices mean it can cost more to feed pigs and cattle than they will fetch at market, meaning higher meat prices for all.

Meat Producers And, Ultimately, Consumers Hurt By Drought

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