When Christian missionaries in the Middle Ages first encountered the banana on the North African coast, they were enthralled.

The famed animator Chuck Jones had no intention of changing America’s food habits when, half a century ago, he stuck a carrot in Bugs Bunny’s hand as talisman, protector, and object of desire.

Do you want to see a bear? If so, you can switch on the Discovery Channel, or visit Yellowstone or Glacier national parks. If you live in Alaska, you can just head out the door.

Check out the hot history of the chili pepper.