Radiolab Forever Fresh
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Jan 31, 2025 
Nicola Twilley, an author and host of the Gastropod podcast, dives into the intriguing world of food science. She discusses how refrigeration revolutionized our relationship with food, allowing us to enjoy fruits out of season. Twilley explores the role of ethylene in ripening, the innovations in produce storage, and even shares the story of a groundbreaking apparatus designed to keep lettuce fresh. Her insights reveal how the science behind cold influences not just flavor, but the future of food preservation.
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Ethylene: Poison and Hormone
- Ethylene, initially identified as a plant poison, is also a plant hormone crucial for development.
- It signals the next phase of a plant's life, like ripening or blooming.
Ethylene's Wide-Ranging Effects
- Ethylene controls ripening in various fruits like bananas and avocados.
- It also influences color changes in fruits and even root growth.
Ethylene: The Party Drug
- In the 1920s, ethylene was used recreationally for its euphoric effects.
- Scientists experimenting with ethylene reported feelings of bliss and exhilaration.
