Ep 13. Rainbow Connections

In the season 3 finale of Food: Fact or Fiction?, titled "Rainbow Connections", host Michael McKean takes viewers on a journey through the surprising and colorful histories of different ingredients. The episode explores the origins of some of the most vibrantly hued foods, revealing fascinating facts about each one along the way.

The first color on the menu is red, and McKean helps viewers understand why that color is so important in food. From the tomato to the strawberry, he uncovers the surprising health benefits behind red foods and delves into their histories to learn why they've become such important culinary staples.

Next up is orange, a color often associated with fall and the harvest season. McKean reveals the truth about why carrots are orange, using storytelling to explain how this ingredient became synonymous with a healthy diet. He also explores the history of pumpkins and their role in Halloween traditions, from carving to baking.

The color yellow is closely associated with lemons and other citrus fruits, and McKean explains why this color is so important in terms of both taste and nutrition. He dives deep into the myth surrounding the invention of lemonade, and even explores the history of cheese, a food that may seem unrelated to citrus but has close ties to the color yellow.

Green is another color with a rich history in food, from the leafy greens that provide essential nutrients to the herbs and spices that add flavor to dishes. McKean explores the jargon of the kitchen and even shares some tips on how to cook with herbs to enhance the flavor of any meal.

Finally, the color blue - or rather, the lack thereof - is discussed. McKean explains why blue is such a rare color in natural foods and uncovers the surprising science behind why blueberries are actually more purple than blue. He also delves into the history of blue-colored foods, including the discovery of blue corn and the reasons why blue coloring is often used in processed foods.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of fun facts and trivia to keep viewers engaged. For instance, did you know that the Romans used saffron to dye their clothes and hair? Or that the color purple was once reserved only for royalty, and that it was made from sea snails? With insightful interviews and creative storytelling, Food: Fact or Fiction? proves once again that there's always more to learn about the foods we eat.