What’s the link between China’s Cultural Revolution and mangoes from Pakistan? In this episode, we explore one case of how food was used as a propaganda tool.

Britney takes us back to the late 1960s, when Mao Zedong launched a nationwide political movement to purge remnants of capitalism and imperialism. Amid the violence and upheaval, a gift of mangos from Pakistan’s foreign minister became a sometimes deadly symbol of Mao. This episode uncovers the surprising and dark role that the mango played in this violent era.

Listener discretion is advised: The story is juicy like a mango, but certainly not sweet.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends! Between episodes, follow our adventure on rootedeatspod.com, @rootedeatspod on Instagram, and Rooted Eats on Substack.