How cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger became the scents of winter holidays, far from their tropical origins

Spices have been prized commodities for centuries. Today, ‘warm’ flavors boost our health and spirits in fall and winter.

Serina DeSalvio, Ph.D. Candidate in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University • conversation
Dec. 11, 2023 • ~8 min

How do spices get their flavor?

Humans have figured out how to season their food with virtually every part of plants.

Beronda L. Montgomery, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Grinnell College • conversation
June 19, 2023 • ~5 min

Solar panels capture more sunlight with capsaicin - the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy

Chemicals found in food and solar cell technology have an interesting history – as my own research shows.

Jon Major, Research Fellow, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool • conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~6 min

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