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[The Scientific Wonders of Food: A 'Two Whats and a Wow' Special]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Food Fight (5/19/23)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2023-05-19

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Exploring the Science of Food: A 'Two Whats and a Wow' Summary

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz lead listeners through their popular scientific game show, Two Whats and a Wow. The episode centers on fascinating food-related facts, challenging contestants to distinguish between scientific truths and fabricated myths.

Round 1: The History of Sweeteners

The game begins by debunking common misconceptions about food history. The winning "wow" revealed that "before sugar was regularly available in Europe, parsnips were used to sweeten jam." Mindy explains that because sugar cane primarily grows in tropical climates, medieval Europeans relied on the natural sugar found in parsnips to sweeten their tarts and jams. By crushing the vegetables and extracting the liquid, they created a functional alternative to modern sugar.

Round 2: Botanical Classifications

The second round focuses on botanical definitions, specifically regarding what constitutes a berry. The scientific truth here is that "bananas and avocados are actually berries." The hosts clarify that, botanically speaking, a true berry is a fruit with seeds and pulp that develops from a flower's ovary. This definition leads to some surprising inclusions, such as pumpkins, cucumbers, and zucchinis, while noting that common "berries" like strawberries and raspberries do not meet this specific botanical criteria.

Round 3: Agriculture Beyond Earth

The final round looks toward the future of space exploration. The winning "wow" confirms that "potatoes can grow on Mars." While Martian soil is notably thin, salty, and nutrient-poor, researchers at the International Potato Center have successfully simulated Martian conditions. By utilizing specific fertilizers and nutrient-rich water, they have proven that growing potatoes in space-like environments is a viable scientific possibility.

Conclusion and Scientific Challenge

Beyond the game, the episode emphasizes the joy of curiosity and experimentation. Mindy and Guy Raz conclude with a "taste for adventure" challenge, encouraging listeners to try a food they have never eaten before and reflect on its texture and flavor profile. By bridging the gap between historical culinary practices, botanical science, and space-age agriculture, the episode successfully separates the "wows" from the "whats," reminding listeners that science is present in every meal they consume.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I think it's time to start the show.
2
Winner, winner, parsnip jam for dinner!
3
I don't think a lot of those things are edible.
4
I know this one.
5
Good guess, Guy Raz.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
pass out
4
start over
5
refresh our contestants
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📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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