Nibbles

Restoring the American chestnut

A grant allows American chestnuts to survive, as hybrids with the Chinese species.

Latest chinese dish is an agrobiodiversity bridge too far: another option.

Civet cat crap creates celebrated cup of coffee.

Man has in vitro plan for Iraqi dates.

A farmer who wanted to diversify into hemp is persecuted by authority.

1. On the occasion of Thanksgiving, The Botanist in the Kitchen explains the difference between potato, sweet potato and yam — inimitably. And thanks for the shout-outs!
2. A tour of the wild fruits of Goa. Their sourness has been culturally and economically marginalised in much the same way that extractive systems marginalise the people, landscapes and food traditions associated with it. Well, maybe.
3. How Charity Mueni Ndivo built her own seed bank in Kenya, and then wrote about it for FAO. No sourness in sight.
4. Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, celebrates genebanks, plant breeding, and farmers like Charity.
Published on November 13, 2026