Before fast food and TV dinners, there were oranges. Discover how two brothers turned a failed theater into a successful food stand, paving the way for the fast food industry. Learn about the challenges they faced during the Depression and their vision for the future of fast food.

Discover how food has been shaping the course of human history and evolution. From the invention of farming to the paradox of plenty, food has been at the forefront of human progress. From early agrarian societies to the use of spices, food has played a significant role in the formation of civilizations, international trade, and even wars.

Unused shipping containers are being transformed into urban farms, providing fresh, healthy, and affordable produce year-round. Local Roots Farms is pioneering this scalable model of indoor agriculture, using hydroponics and controlled environment techniques to grow crops equivalent to five acres of conventional outdoor farming. By cutting down food miles and providing local leafy greens, Local Roots Farms aims to solve many issues with the current food system, while also addressing urban food deserts. Founder Daniel Kuenzi shares his story and vision with Smithsonian.com.

The cotton gin, a machine that revolutionized cotton production in the late 1700s, is a prime example of how inventions can have unintended consequences. While it made cotton production more efficient, it also fueled the need for more slaves to plant and harvest cotton, leading to a significant increase in the number of slaves in America. This historical event highlights the importance of considering the potential outcomes of new technologies and inventions. As a student, learning about the impact of the cotton gin can inspire you to think critically about the consequences of new innovations and technologies. By developing this skill, you can become better equipped to make informed decisions about the technologies you choose to use and the impact they may have on society.

As the world population continues to soar, INFARM's founders are leading an agricultural revolution with their innovative solution for urban self-sufficiency. By using vertical farms, this startup is redefining the way we grow vegetables and herbs, with less water and no soil, and with the potential to yield even greater results than traditional greenhouses. Find out how INFARM is collaborating with top designers to create modular, climate-controlled units that can be customized for any user, from a home grower to a supermarket owner.

Tyres have revolutionized transportation, transforming the way we travel and changing society as we know it. From humble beginnings to modern innovations, the history of tyres is a story of creativity, ingenuity, and progress. The earliest tyres were made of solid rubber, and were prone to punctures and blowouts. John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish veterinarian, revolutionized tyre design in 1888 by creating the first practical pneumatic tyre. This new design consisted of a rubber tube filled with air, encased in a fabric cover. Since then, tyres have continued to evolve, with advances in materials, tread design, and durability. The invention of the tyre had a profound impact on society. It enabled the development of faster and more efficient modes of transportation, from bicycles to automobiles to airplanes. The ability to transport goods and people quickly and efficiently has transformed economies and societies, making the world smaller and more interconnected. However, the production and disposal of tyres also have environmental impacts. The production of tyres requires significant amounts of energy and raw materials, while the disposal of worn-out tyres creates large amounts of waste. Tyre wear pollution also contributes to air and water pollution, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Several leading academics and innovators have made significant contributions to the development of tyres. Charles Goodyear, an American inventor, developed the process of vulcanization, which made rubber more durable and usable in a wider range of applications. Michelin, a French tyre manufacturer, developed the radial tyre, which greatly improved handling and fuel efficiency. The history of tyres is a fascinating topic that offers insights into the ways in which human ingenuity has transformed the world. By exploring this topic further, students can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of this important invention.

Detroit is pioneering urban farming, with Hantz Group's innovative plan to plant 15,000 trees on 1,500 parcels of land. Can it really revive the city's neighborhoods and provide fresh produce and jobs for residents? Discover the challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture.

Get ready for the next agricultural revolution, which won't come from new plants or genetic engineering, but from digital technology and big data. Michael Stern, CEO of Climate Corp., explains that by using real-time data and weather forecasts, farmers can make more accurate decisions to increase crop yields, even with less land available. With the global population rising and environmental concerns limiting land use, the ability to grow more food sustainably is essential. Luckily, the potential to increase yields is enormous with the help of digital age, offering a new way of managing the farm that transforms agriculture from reactive to proactive.

Salt and pepper are more than just seasonings; they have a rich history and cultural significance that has shaped the way we eat and view food. Salt has been used for thousands of years for preservation and taste, and was even used as currency by the Romans. Pepper, once a luxury item, became more widely available and popular with the rise of French cuisine. Understanding the origins and uses of these seasonings can help us appreciate the history and culture behind our food, and even improve our cooking skills. Learning about the history of food can also broaden our understanding of different cultures and traditions. So next time you sit down to eat, consider the story behind your salt and pepper, and maybe even try incorporating other seasonings and flavors from around the world.

In the year 2039, breakfast may look very different from what we're used to today. With concerns about climate change and sustainability, traditional breakfast foods like meat and cereal may become harder to find. However, there are exciting alternatives on the horizon, such as lab-grown meat and insects, which are cheaper to produce and better for the environment. Urban farming and hydroponics may allow us to grow our own produce in cities, and drones could revolutionize food delivery. As we become more flexible in our work schedules, we may have more time to prioritize breakfast as the most important meal of the day. By exploring these new ideas and concepts, we can expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us while also benefiting our health and the planet.

Aside from its impact on health, food has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations throughout history. From the early hunter-gatherers to the sophisticated and diverse cuisines of today, food has been a source of sustenance, social interaction, and cultural expression. One leading academic, the late anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, famously said in 1962 that food had to be "good to think" before it could be "good to eat"; in other words, he believed that food had to nourish people's collective minds and was a way of expressing their system of values and beliefs. To him, the preparation of food could reveal a society's structure. Another prominent academic, food historian, Rachel Laudan, has shown how food has shaped and been shaped by politics, economics, and technology. For example, the discovery of new trade routes and the introduction of new ingredients have led to the fusion of different cuisines and the creation of unique dishes. Here are some interesting facts about food and its role in civilization: - The first agricultural settlements, which date back around 12,000 years ago, marked a turning point in human history, as people could cultivate crops and domesticate animals, thus transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one. - The ancient Greeks believed that the gods sat down to dine on ambrosia and nectar, while the Romans held lavish feasts to celebrate their military conquests. - During the medieval period, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping food culture through its regulation of fasting and feast days. - In the 19th and 20th centuries, advances in transportation and food preservation technologies allowed for the mass production and distribution of food, leading to the globalization of cuisine. Food is an integral part of our lives and has helped to shape and define civilizations throughout history. By understanding its history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human culture and the significance of food in our lives.

Are you curious about how fertilized chicken eggs can be sexed without opening them? Researchers at the University of California, Davis and Sensit Ventures Inc. have developed a new method to sort eggs by sex based on the volatile organic chemicals emitted through the shell. By identifying the sex of an egg early in incubation, billions of male eggs could be humanely diverted to other uses, reducing waste and environmental impact. Check out the full article published in PLOS ONE to learn more about this innovative technology.

Did you know that over 1.7 million people benefit from Fairtrade certifications? Did you know that over 26% of the world's population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods? Unfortunately, small-scale farmers often face numerous challenges, such as low prices, climate change, and unfair trade practices, that hinder their ability to make a decent living. However, Fairtrade and other sustainability certifications can make a significant difference by ensuring that farmers receive fair prices, access to markets, and support to improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. Fairtrade is a certification that requires companies to pay a fair price for products, support sustainable practices, and provide social and environmental benefits to farmers and workers. For instance, fairtrade coffee farmers in Colombia have used the premiums they receive to build schools, clinics, and clean water systems. Fairtrade also ensures that workers have safe and fair working conditions and bans child labour and discrimination. Other sustainability certifications, such as Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, and Organic, also promote sustainable farming practices, such as conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical use, and minimizing waste. These certifications also provide traceability and transparency to help consumers make informed choices and support ethical and sustainable production. Leading academics in the field, such as Dr. Ndongo Sylla, have argued that Fairtrade can empower farmers and strengthen their bargaining power in the global market. Other researchers, such as Dr. Sarah Lyon, have highlighted the challenges and limitations of Fairtrade and suggested that it may not be a cure-all for all problems faced by small-scale farmers. By exploring Fairtrade and other sustainability certifications, you can learn about how individuals and organizations can promote social and environmental justice and create a more sustainable and equitable world.

China, historically a tea-drinking nation, is now the fourth-largest market for ready-to-drink coffee. With convenience being the driving factor, instant coffee has seen a seven to ten percent annual expansion in the past decade. Discover the origins and evolution of instant coffee, from the first powdered drink in 1771 to the rise of Nestle's Nescafe and Starbucks' VIA. Learn about the key players and innovations that have paved the way for the mainstreaming of coffee connoisseurship.

As we look towards the future, it's clear that our world is changing rapidly. One of the most exciting developments is the emergence of floating nations on the sea. These seascrapers will be built using 3D printed biorock, and will be powered by ocean thermal energy conversion. They will allow us to harvest calcium carbonate directly from seawater, and create vast ocean gardens that will reduce ocean acidity and provide environmentally restorative food. The first to seek jobs on these farms will be the poorest billion on Earth, who will come to the blue frontier because floating societies will require refugees to survive economically. These seasteads will restore the environment, enrich the poor and liberate humanity from politicians. By exploring the depths beneath the ocean, we will unlock new discoveries and opportunities that we can't even imagine yet. So let's embrace this new century of seasteading and explore the oceans first, and the stars next.

Are you passionate about food and its impact on society? Do you want to make a difference in the world by helping to shape policies that affect what we eat and how it is produced? Then a career in Food Policy Analysis might be the perfect fit for you! Food Policy Analysis is a fascinating field that combines science, politics, and economics to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As a Food Policy Analyst, you will work to develop and implement policies that promote healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems. This could involve anything from researching the impact of agricultural practices on the environment, to advocating for food safety regulations, to analyzing the economic viability of different food production methods. One of the most appealing aspects of this field is the variety of roles that are available. You could work for a government agency, a non-profit organization, a research institution, or a private company. You could specialize in areas such as food security, nutrition, animal welfare, or environmental sustainability. And you could work on issues that affect local communities, entire countries, or even the world at large. To become a Food Policy Analyst, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as agriculture, economics, public policy, or environmental studies. Many universities offer specialized programs in Food Policy Analysis, such as the one at Tufts University in Boston, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. In addition to formal education, there are certain personal attributes that can be helpful in this field. These include strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, a passion for social justice, and a willingness to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. The job prospects for Food Policy Analysts are quite promising, as there is a growing demand for professionals who can help address the complex challenges facing our global food system. Some notable employers in this field include the World Health Organization, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Environmental Defense Fund. So if you're looking for a career that combines your love of food with your desire to make a positive impact on the world, consider exploring the exciting and rewarding field of Food Policy Analysis!

In today's world, it's easy to take for granted the food we eat and where it comes from. However, understanding the complex supply chain behind the fruits and vegetables we purchase can have significant intellectual and practical benefits. In times of crisis, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains are stretched thin, and it becomes more important than ever to explore alternative ways of growing food. Enter high-tech urban agriculture, a revolutionary concept that could transform the way we produce and consume food. With vertical farms popping up in cities worldwide, growing crops closer to where they are eaten is becoming a reality. These systems provide numerous benefits, from being healthier and more sustainable to containing no pesticides. By exploring these cutting-edge concepts further, students can gain knowledge about sustainable practices, future technologies, and global supply chains.

Did you know that nutmeg was one of the most popular spices among Europeans during the Pilgrims' time? Learn about its international conflict and medicinal properties, and how it even has psychoactive effects. Discover the forgotten spice of Thanksgiving that adds complexity to both sweet and savory dishes.

Discover the fascinating history behind the painstaking hand-pollination process of vanilla, the world's second most expensive spice. Learn how the enslaved boy Edmond Albius developed the method that is still in use today and the challenges faced by farmers in cultivating and processing this beloved flavor. Explore how vanilla has become one of the most lucrative spices in existence, with an insatiable demand from consumers worldwide.

The history of turkey as a Christmas dish is a fascinating academic concept that can teach us about the evolution of food culture and traditions over time. Although beef was the meat of choice for much of the last 500 years, turkeys were domesticated in central America around 200 B.C. and were imported to Europe and the Americas, becoming a popular meat for winter feasts. Turkey's popularity grew spectacularly, with breeding pairs being brought back to Spain and farmed in France by the 1530s. In England, they were restricted by law to only one bird per feast. Turkeys were not just for Christmas, but their association with the 12-day feasting period in December made them a key Christmas meat by the 17th century. Learning about the history of turkey as a Christmas dish can broaden our understanding of cultural traditions and the evolution of food choices over time.