
#45 Cacao: Bittersweet Histories and Global Rituals
In this episode of Anthropology Bites, we explore cacao’s bittersweet journey, from its sacred origins in Mesoamerican rituals to its transformation into a global commodity. Along the way, we uncover ...
15 Dec 202522min

#44 Corn: Sacred Grain, Global Commodity
In this episode we explore the remarkable journey of maize from its wild ancestor teosinte in ancient Mexico to its role as a staple across the world. We dive into the myths of the Popol Vuh, the ritu...
5 Dec 202522min

#43 Grapes: Wine, wealth, and worship
From ancient vineyards to modern rituals, grapes have carried layers of meaning across civilizations. This episode explores how grapes became symbols of abundance, transformation, and the sacred, from...
30 Nov 202524min

#42 The prickly pear from Mexico to the Mediterranean
stories and history of the prickly pear.
24 Nov 202520min

#41 The Cultured Pear: From Orchard to Offering
In this episode of Anthropology Bites, host Carmen Vega-Reina peels back the layers of the humble pear to reveal its rich cultural, historical, and symbolic significance across civilizations. From its...
16 Nov 202517min

#40 Crunch, Cure, Culture: The Celery Chronicles
In this flavorful journey through time and culture, we explore the surprising anthropology of celery. From ancient Egyptian tombs to Victorian bouquets, Chinese stir-fries to American lunchboxes, cele...
10 Nov 202519min

#39 Bog to Bottle: The memory of cranberries
From sacred berry to global superfood, this episode traces the cranberry’s journey across cultures, centuries, and continents. We explore its Indigenous origins, colonial transformations, global migra...
3 Nov 202519min

#38 Ashwaghanda, the wellness root
Stories regarding the magical ashwaghanda root from India.
27 Okt 202523min



















