Alex Renton with Sheila Dillon 13 Foods that Shape our World

In the first from BBC Radio 4's hit series The Food Programme, award-winning writer Alex Renton shares with the programme's presenter Sheila Dillon the stories of 13 key staples including spice, oil, cocoa, bread and tomatoes. They'll explore their history, evolution and how our ever-growing hunger for them continues to alter our world. Look at food in a new light - as a weapon, an art form, a tool of revolution, but also a bringer of pure happiness. Discover a kaleidoscope of fascinating facts and curiosities, including the forgotten joys of lard, the secret to perfect chips and how our love of pepper led to piracy.