Ep 11. The Shape of Things

In season 3 episode 11 of Food: Fact or Fiction?, titled "The Shape of Things", viewers are taken on a journey through the history of the shapes of some of their favorite foods. From the circular shape of pizza to the rectangular shape of chocolate bars and everything in between, host Michael McKean explores the reasons behind these shapes and what they say about the food we eat.

The episode begins with a look at the origin of pizza and how the circular shape became synonymous with this popular food. McKean delves into the history of pizza and its association with Italian immigrants in the United States, as well as the debate over whether a round pizza or a square pizza is better.

Next, the show takes a fascinating look at the history of the potato chip and how it went from thin slices to a more uniform shape. McKean explores the science behind slicing potatoes and how it led to the development of the iconic potato chip shape we know today.

The episode then shifts to the world of candy and chocolate, where viewers learn about the history of the rectangular shape of chocolate bars. McKean explains how the development of machines to mass-produce chocolate led to the standardized shape we know today and how this shape affects the way we enjoy chocolate.

Moving on to the world of ice cream, the show explores the history behind the iconic shape of the ice cream cone. Viewers learn about the origin of the cone and how it became the perfect carrier for ice cream, as well as the reason behind the shape of the scoop used to serve the ice cream.

Finally, the episode takes a fascinating look at the world of pasta and its seemingly endless variety of shapes. McKean explains the science behind pasta shapes and how different shapes are better suited for different sauces. He also explores the history behind some of the more unusual pasta shapes, such as orecchiette and farfalle.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interesting and often surprising facts about the foods they love, as well as the science behind their shapes. From the way we slice potatoes to the way we eat ice cream, the shape of our food often says more about us than we realize. Food: Fact or Fiction? season 3 episode 11 is a fun and informative look at the history and science behind the shapes of some of our favorite foods.