Wolf Peaches, Poisoned Peas, and Madame Pompadour’s Underwear: The Surprising History of Common Garden Vegetables

Common garden vegetables have long and fascinating histories. Science and history writer Rebecca Rupp will discuss the stories behind many of our favorites, among them the much-maligned tomato and potato, the (mostly) popular pumpkin, and Vermont’s dynamic duo of kale and Gilfeather turnip.

Find out why a lot of us don’t like beets, how a 17th-century pirate named the bell pepper, how carrots won the Trojan War, and how George Washington was nearly assassinated with a plate of poisoned peas.

Additional Costs

Mileage

Special Arrangements

Podium and microphone (depending on venue)

Available in correctional facilities.

Booking a talk

First, contact the speaker by clicking on their biography below to confirm their availability and discuss any special arrangements.

Then, click the “Book this Talk!” button below to send a request form to Vermont Humanities. We’ll respond within one week.

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