Gastropod Is Your Cinnamon Fake? Where Does Kefir Come From? Plus: Why Is Citric Acid In Everything? Ask Gastropod!
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Dec 16, 2025 Is your cinnamon really authentic? Discover why most on grocery shelves isn't! Dive into the fascinating origins of kefir, tangled in a story of ancient mummies and royal intrigue. Plus, learn about the ubiquitous citric acid—what it is, why it’s everywhere, and its surprising history tied to life-saving technologies. This festive exploration answers listener curiosities with delightful food science revelations!
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Listener’s Reaction To Citric Acid
- Rosemary discovered citric acid in an Italian sausage gave her a severe headache one night.
- She now avoids many packaged foods because citric acid often triggers symptoms for her.
Microbes Replaced Citrus For Production
- Producers shifted from citrus extraction to microbial fermentation using Aspergillus niger in the early 20th century.
- That microbial process scaled citric acid production beyond what orchards could supply.
Fermentation Innovation Scaled Medicine And Food
- Jasper Kane's deep-tank fermentation with aeration and stirring enabled mass production of citric acid.
- That same fermentation innovation later allowed mass production of penicillin and other antibiotics.
