InDigestion is a feature that takes a look at where our food comes from, what’s involved in the production, cultivation, distribution, and even the history of the crop or product itself.
Episode I: Potatoes – Listen [12:14]
From March 8th, 2007. In this first episode, Nate Prier traces the origins of the potato in South America and discusses efforts to cultivate heritage varieties in Peru.
Episode II: Bananas – Listen [17:46]
From April 5, 2007. In an extended version of ‘In Digestion’, Carol Hunsberger discusses bananas and the international food economy with Tony Weis of the University of Western Ontario.
Episode III: Strawberries – Listen [9:21]
From April 26, 2007. In the Episode, Nate investigates the labour conditions driving the California strawberry industry, which provides most of Canada’s off-season berries.
Episode IV: Pineapples – Listen [15:05]
From May 3rd, 2007. In this episode, Nate tells us about pineapples and traces their journey from Hawaii to Canada. He also talks about how an exotic mystique has been built up around pineapples to market them, and touches on some fair trade issues surrounding this tropical fruit.
Episode V: Pork – Listen [12:30]
From May 17, 2007. In this episode, Nate looks at pork production and related waste issues. He guides us through the history of pork, from the earliest domestication of the pig to some of today’s large-scale pork operations.
Episode VI: Tilapia – Listen [11:58]
From June 28, 2007. In this Episode, Nate looks at the production of Tilapia, investigating how fish farms are playing a role in the changing picture of global fisheries.
Episode VII: Baby-Cut Carrots – Listen [5:36]
From October 11, 2007. Why do mini carrots seem to be everywhere these days? And how do they get bag after bag of them to be exactly the same size and shape? In this episode, Carol Hunsberger tells the story of baby cut carrots – who thought up the idea, how they are made, and where they grow (hint: they all come from the same place). Note: baby cut carrots are not to be confused with baby carrots, which are small but mature carrots considered a delicacy.