Disappearing saffron, edible gardens, and regional Chinese food

Hosted by Evan Kleiman Mar. 23, 2019 Food & Drink

Kashmiri saffron is the most precious spice in the world, and it’s on the verge of extinction. Photo credit: Vikar Syed

Kashmiri saffron is the most precious spice in the world, and it’s on the verge of extinction. Sharanya Deepak explains why that matters. Also, two gardening experts offer tips on planting an edible garden at home, and we examine the foods of Yunnan and Chaoshan. Plus, the four life stages of a polarizing herb.

From this Episode:

Gardens can grow anywhere—even on your balcony

As urban gardening gains popularity, Lauri Kranz of Edible Gardens LA is helping novices and veterans bring edible beauty to their backyards and balconies. “ A Garden...

9 min

A precious spice faces an uncertain future

Kashmir, a conflict-ridden region on both sides of the India-Pakistan border, is home to the most coveted and expensive spice: Kashmiri saffron.

10 min

Market Report: The Four Stages of Cilantro

Cilantro has four life stages, and Kacie Chef of Honey Hi in Echo Park is showcasing all of them in their signature massaman curry. Luis Jaime of JF Organic Farms...

8 min

“Cooking South of the Clouds”

During a break from her college studies in China, writer Georgia Freedma n visited the capital of the Yunnan province, where she encountered flavors she had never...

10 min

The food of the Teochew diaspora

Regional Chinese food is flourishing in LA, and now Teochew (or Chiu Chow) food is getting some long overdue attention . Writer Diana Zheng traces her family origins...

13 min