You might not think much about the sticky bottle of vanilla sitting in the back of your pantry. But that flavor — one of the most common in the world — has a fascinating history, involving a fickle orchid and a 12-year-old enslaved boy who made the discovery of a lifetime.
That’s the sort of tale that attracts poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil. From peacock feathers to the sounds of garden insects, her work is known for magnifying the wonders of the natural world. Her latest book of essays, “Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees,” explores the unexpected connections between food, memory, and community.
So take a seat and pour yourself an aperitif, as Aimee Nezhukumatathil shares a few of these miniature morsels with Outside/In host Nate Hegyi: a three-course meal of grape jelly, sweet nostalgia, and just a hint of vanilla bean.
Featuring Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
CREDITS
Host: Nate Hegyi
Reported, produced, and mixed by Nate Hegyi
Editing by Taylor Quimby
Our staff includes Justine Paradis, Marina Henke, Felix Poon and Catherine Hurley
Executive producer: Taylor Quimby
Rebecca Lavoie is NHPR’s Director of On-Demand Audio
Music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio
Submit a question to the “Outside/Inbox.” We answer queries about the natural world, climate change, sustainability, and human evolution. You can send a voice memo to outsidein@nhpr.org or leave a message on our hotline, 1-844-GO-OTTER (844-466-8837).
