Food

Serving Up Science

Serving Up Science is hosted by history buff, science writer and foodie Sheril Kirshenbaum, who will give you science-backed tips to make your favorite foods even better. Farmed or Wild? Why does cheese stink? Why should meat rest? Explore these questions and more.

Peppers & Pain: The Spicy Science

6m 12s

Ever wondered why spicy foods make your mouth feel like it's on fire? The answer lies in a chemical compound called capsaicin. When you eat hot peppers, capsaicin interacts with pain receptors in your mouth, tricking your brain into thinking your body is in pain. This reaction is the reason why spicy foods can feel so intense, and it’s the science of heat and pain in action.

Episodes

  • Peppers & Pain: The Spicy Science: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Peppers & Pain: The Spicy Science

    S5 E4 - 6m 12s

    Ever wondered why spicy foods make your mouth feel like it's on fire? The answer lies in a chemical compound called capsaicin. When you eat hot peppers, capsaicin interacts with pain receptors in your mouth, tricking your brain into thinking your body is in pain. This reaction is the reason why spicy foods can feel so intense, and it’s the science of heat and pain in action.

  • What's the Best Meat to Eat?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What's the Best Meat to Eat?

    S5 E3 - 5m 39s

    Ever wondered what meat is truly the best for your your health and the planet? From sizzling steaks to tender chicken, we’re breaking down the healthiest, most sustainable meat options—plus sharing a drool-worthy brisket recipe you’ll love.

  • Gas vs Induction Stoves: The Heated Debate | Serving Up Science: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Gas vs Induction Stoves: The Heated Debate | Serving Up Science

    S5 E503 - 6m 45s

    Gas stoves have ruled kitchens for decades, but they come with hidden risks: indoor pollution, methane leaks, and even increased asthma risk for kids. Enter induction stoves—the game-changing cooktop that’s faster, cleaner, and more precise. Using electromagnetic technology, induction heats your food with 90% energy efficiency—no flames, no fumes, just pure cooking power.

  • Gas vs Induction Stoves : The Heated Debate: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Gas vs Induction Stoves : The Heated Debate

    S5 E2 - 6m 45s

    Gas stoves have ruled kitchens for decades, but they come with hidden risks: indoor pollution, methane leaks, and even increased asthma risk for kids. Enter induction stoves—the game-changing cooktop that’s faster, cleaner, and more precise. Using electromagnetic technology, induction heats your food with 90% energy efficiency—no flames, no fumes, just pure cooking power.

  • Why Does Water Taste Different?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Why Does Water Taste Different?

    S5 E1 - 5m 42s

    Bottled, tap, or purified—does all water taste the same? Think again! 🌊 Every sip tells a story, shaped by minerals, seasonal changes, and even the pipes it travels through. Did you know calcium makes water taste milky, or that algal blooms can give it a muddy scent? From salty hints to chalky textures, water's unique flavor depends on its incredible journey.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.