The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Sephra Alexander explains that throughout most of human history, communities practiced 'seed sovereignty,' growing and saving their own seeds, which fostered unique heirloom varieties and diverse cuisines. However, this practice has declined as global food systems have become more dominant.
“For thousands of years, people got by on their ability to grow, save, and replant their own seeds. Sephra calls it seed sovereignty.”
“Now, because that's kind of fallen by the wayside, because we've all just taken for granted that all of this food is available in our supermarkets and farmers can do their thing that we don't all need to do that. We've lost those heirlooms.”