The potato seemed strange and unappetizing when it first arrived in Europe. But it grew into a wonder food that helped solve the continent’s hunger problems. Can its journey tell us what to expect from current efforts to replace animal meat with societally healthier meat alternatives made from plants, insects, or cells grown in petri dishes?

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.