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Want fries with that? Underground History explores potato innovation in Oregon

Archaeology is frequently about digging, looking for artifacts from the past. In the latest edition of Underground History we go into the dirt in search of softer wares...namely, potatoes.

America's favorite tuber has a long history in our region including the 1950s invention of the tater tot in Oregon. Chelsea Rose from the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology visits with culinary historian Heather Arndt Anderson to discuss the Oregon origins of the tater tot, waffle fries, the Bing cherry, and other tasty innovations. The state even inspired a farm-based Japanese mini series in the 1990's called From Oregon With Love.

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The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily talk show focused on news and interests across our region of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Angela Decker is the senior producer, Nash Bennett is the assistant producer, and Geoffrey Riley hosts the show.