Showing posts with label food history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food history. Show all posts

Monday, September 2, 2024

Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 2 of 2)

Mystery of the Spice Islands Revealed

(Continuing from Part 1).
  • The East India Company Ltd – reborn and renewed The East India Company today is reborn as a vibrant, inspiring company that acknowledges its heritage to never stop exploring and pioneering, to discover the world’s finest foods, products, and services.  The products they sell include teas, coffees, chocolates, and other fine foods.
  • Manas: History and Politics, East India Company Read more about the History and Politics of the East India Company; its humble rise to good fortune and its decline from political and economic power into dissolution by the Crown.


After being fought over for years, in 1814 the Dutch traders finally beat out the Spanish, Portuguese and the British for the monopoly of the spice trade and these islands came under Dutch control. The Spice Islands, along with other territories in the area now governed by the Dutch were all consolidated under one name: Dutch East Indies. They were under Dutch government from 1814 to 1942. During World War II, the Japanese conquered the Dutch West Indies and occupied them from 1942 - 1945. In 1945, Indonesia was proclaimed a republic, and the islands which were formerly known as the Spice Islands are now known as the Maluku Islands (also called the Moluccas or Moluccan Islands). The Moluccas are included with a group of islands between Southeast Asia and North Australia, that comprise the Malay Archipelago.

But you don't have to travel to Indonesia or circumnavigate the globe and risk death to go on an exotic spice adventure. Just follow the spice trails at Everyday Exotic Spices.




* India Tree Pepper Mélange is a premium blend, containing Tellicherry black, Madagascar green, Malaysian white and allspice berries; use the same way as black pepper.

** Kefta spice blend is an authentic Moroccan recipe which includes: Coriander, Cumin, Spearmint, Paprika, Cayenne, Marjoram, Garlic, and other spices.

*** Sumac is a very popular condiment in Turkey and Iran, where the ground fruits are liberally sprinkled over rice. Mixed with freshly cut onions, it is frequently eaten as an appetizer.

[ Content first published at Blogjob May 2017. ]

Monday, April 22, 2024

Food and Drink History : The Evolution of Tea

With regard to the evolution of tea, we all know (or most of us are in agreement) that the Chinese invented tea. That was the beginning. :)



But did you also know that, in the beginning, before there were loose tea leaves, there were tea bricks; and these bricks were deemed so valuable that they could be used as currency.
In addition, there is a legend passed down through the ages (for about 5000 years) which credits a Chinese emperor named Shennong with the discovery of how to make a tea infusion. Yah! It seems the emperor was added to an extensive list of discoverers who discovered how stuff works by accident! :)
Fortunately, the rest of the world benefits and we can all enjoy cups of wonderful brewed tea.

♦ Lawrence Jean-Louis published Cool Mix Mingle; a cultural blog mainly about the diversity of the South Florida community - the Hispanic and African influences, the blend of East (Asian) and West (European and North American), the food, art, music and more. The preceding paragraphs above are a brief summary of her post which discusses the evolution of tea.  My discovery of her blog was also accidental. But what an awesome find!  :)
REFERENCE: Jean-Louis, Lawrence. "Tea: It's Evolution from the Tree to your Cup." Cook Mix Mingle. 15 Apr. 2015. Web.
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Related or Similar Links:



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Saturday, March 16, 2024

World Cuisine : Focus on Food Contributions of the Irish

Since March is Irish-American Heritage Month, this post will share information about Ireland's food history and various recipes which were likely brought to the United States by way of Irish immigrants (or were adopted by the Irish-Americans and made their own).  😍

  

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

Some may say there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food.  But that was not always so.  7 years of famine? Sounds biblical, doesn't it?

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

March 24th 1847: British people, led by Queen Victoria, held a National Day of Atonement, fasting and doing penance, for the Irish famine.[16] April 1847: A report, to the Central Board of Health from Killarney, showed that people were literally dropping dead in the street.





How to Make Irish Stew

How to Make Irish Stew

Irish Stew is the kind of food that is great on a cold winters night, but is simply perfect on any occasion. The aroma combined with the flavor make it one of my favorite meals. I currently have about five, but the addition of the barley in this recipe add a lot of texture and flavor to the stew.


Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

The complete question is: Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day When Corned Beef and Cabbage is Not Irish Food?

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

by JoHarrington I'll admit that I was somewhat taken aback. I'd just finished telling an American friend that her country is responsible for St Patrick popularly wearing green (traditionally he wore blue), and for linking shamrocks with the Irish.



The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

Yes, there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food, but there's a lot more too, and it's all delicious.




Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

by Allison Gray If an Irishman came to America on St. Patrick's Day, he might be a little bit shocked by the leprechaun outfits, green beer guzzlers, and yes, even the corned beef and cabbage. To be Irish in America is no rare thing-about 34.5 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage according to the 2011 U.S.



Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought why not review my recipes to see which ones are most popular with readers. And so I've come up with my Top Ten Recipes of all time. Believe it or not, all of the most viewed recipes on my site are Irish recipes.

Decorative divider images from glitter-graphics.com

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Food Blog Spotlight : A Fall Neapolitan Style Dinner | jovinacooksitalian (Reblog)

Have you ever found a food blogger or food blog that is undeniably magnificent? Several years back I came across this woman's blog and am so happy to find that it is still being published. Her posts not only have great recipes but great food history too!


This one that is being shared as a reblog is perfect because it's for the fall season and it's about Italy, one of those places on my bucket list of "Places to Visit".  Will likely never realize that dream but dreaming about it is a wonderful thing.

Dream Italian?  Think Italian.  Be Italian!


The post begins by giving the reader a quick history of Neopolitan cuisine.  Neopolitan is a cuisine?  Only ever knew it to be a flavor for ice-cream!  In 3 short paragraphs, she took me from ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day Italy and the United States.  Then she set forth an entire Neopolitan dinner, recipes and all, from the first course to the dessert.  Of course, I skipped the courses and went straight to the dessert.  But that's just me!  :)


This blog post is dated 2013.  Liked it then.  Like it now!  The image from her post is an Italian Apple cake.  Isn't it gorgeous?!!

 





  • Italian Treasures - Moon Valley Sardinia (jovinacooksitalian.com)

  • Mediterranean Recipes for Lunchtime (jovinacooksitalian.com)

  • Deliciously Easy Upside Down Apple Cake (yumgoggle.com)

  • Top 10 Most Delicious Foods in the World 2016(themeshnews.com)



  • Celebrate National Apple Month in October  (or any month! 🍏)




    Tuesday, October 17, 2023

    October is National Pizza Month ~ Let's Celebrate!

    October is National Pizza Month. Let's start the celebration with these fun pizza facts.

    - - "The longest pizza delivery was from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney, Australia."

    - - "Scientists report that eating pizza once a week can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. It's the tomatoes and olive oil in the pizza."









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    Tuesday, September 19, 2023

    One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian

    A general review of the History of the Exotic Spice Trade will eventually lead to Indonesia.
    "One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian
    • During the years 1602 to 1942, what is now the Republic of Indonesia was a Dutch colony. ... The tradition of Indonesian food known today as Rijstafel, which means Rice Table, was started by the Dutch. ..."
    Read more at: Indonesian Food History – Rijistafel
    The concept of rijsttafel is a way to sample the many different spice-laced dishes from various regions of Indonesia.  The Dutch likely drew inspiration from a similar Indonesian multiple-dish meal known as nasi padang.

    References:

    Brennan, Georgeanne. “Rijsttafel: The Dutch-Indonesian Rice Table.” The Cook’s Cook, 29 Sept. 2017, https://thecookscook.com/features/rijsttafel-dutch-indonesian-rice-table/. 

    “Rijsttafel | Indonesian, Spice, Variety | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/rijsttafel.

    “Indonesian Food History - Rijistafel” Daily Two Cents, 10 May 2015, web.archive.org/web/20170803143846/http://dailytwocents.com/indonesian-food-history-rijistafel/.

    Wednesday, June 7, 2023

    Spice Spotlight: Saffron, Cardamon, Curry and Turmeric

    The spice trails taken by the Europeans can be traced backward from India to Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) to Africa to Egypt and all the way to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Wars were fought over precious spices and in the end … we all won! Because the end result of the wars and the global spice trade is that these days, exotic spices are readily available, either via online shopping or maybe even at your local grocery store. 

     If you would like to learn about the history of spices, here are a couple of links of interest.




    India is not the only country that supplies herbs and spices to Europe and the USA, however, these days, it is a major exporter. The spices which were introduced to the West by way of India include, but are not limited to, cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, and turmeric.

    Cardamon is referred to as the "queen of spices".
    Do you know which spice is called the “king of spices”? Saffron!
    (Although some say it's black pepper. Not me! I'm in the saffron camp.)

    The origins of saffron are disputed. (History of Saffron.) But not its flavor, health benefits, or its recognition as the most valuable spice in the world.



    Were I to recommend four (4) spices to turn my mundane everyday meals into extraordinary-everyday dining experiences, it would be:

    1. saffron
    2. cardamon
    3. curry, and 
    4. turmeric.


    If I were thinking of a gourmet food gift for an aspiring chef or a friend or relative who wants to improve their cooking skills, it would be one or more of these delightful spices.




    Related Links of Interest:
    ♦ Cardamom-And-Coriander-And-Turmeric Recipes
    ♦ 10 Best Saffron Curry Recipes
    ♦ 15 Recipes that Prove Cardamom Makes Everything Taste Better Recipe
    ♦ 20 Tasty Turmeric Recipes - Easy Ways to Cook with Turmeric
    ♦ Foodie Friday : Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon


    Source: Webnuggetz.com

    Friday, October 7, 2022

    Foodie Friday : Apples and Pumpkins

    Autumn is the season for apples and pumpkins.  My favorite recipes are apple cobbler and pumpkin pie, which (in my humble opinion) are true American holiday cuisine.  I enjoy these desserts for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    FUN FACTS:

    Cobblers originated in the British American colonies.  "The earliest recipe dates from 1824. Apple Cobbler – Cobblers (stewed fruit topped with batter, biscuit, or dumplings) originated in the British American colonies with the term “cobbler” recorded in 1859. Cobblers can be made with any type of fruit or berry and are also known as slumps, grunts, and pandowdy." (SOURCE: M. E. Bond)

    A cobbler is not the same as Crisp, Crumble, Betty, Or Buckle?  What's the difference?  "Cobblers are a fruit dessert baked with biscuit-style topping. It's called a cobbler because its top crust is not smooth like a pie crust but rather “cobbled” and coarse. It's usually dropped or spooned over the fruit, then baked. Individual fruit cobblers." (SOURCE: Farmers' Almanac)

    "Northeastern Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins. The Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts to the first settlers, and taught them the many uses for pumpkin. This led to serving pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving in America about 50 years later." (SOURCE: The History Behind Pumpkin Pie)

    Do you have a favorite recipe using these ingredients?

    BONUS QUESTION:  Which do you prefer to top your apple cobbler or your pumpkin pie?

    • Scoop of vanilla ice cream
    • Huge squirt of whipped cream
    • Other topping


    History of Baked Fruit Desserts Like Buckle, Pandowdy, and Cobbler

    Pumpkin Pie! A History!


    Previous 5 Foodie Friday Posts;

    YACR (Yet Another Chili Recipe)

    Figs ~ Enjoy a Coconut Fig Slice

    Childhood Memories:  COTTON CANDY

    Upside-Down Cakes

    Dinner Idea: Chicken with Blackberry Salsa


    Friday, September 30, 2022

    Food Blurb: Herbs and Spices: Za-atar Spice Blend on Flatbread

    I just recently discovered Za'atar. My friends from the Middle East say it's very common in their cuisine.


    Here is a fun fact for foodies.

    It is said that evidence of flatbreads has been found at ancient sites in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and the Indus civilization. Also there are historical records that indicate Persian soldiers baked a flatbread on their shields and covered it cheese and dates.

    Baked it on their shields? Now that's genius survival skills!



    RELATED LINKS:


    If You Liked This, You Might Also Like Other EES Food Blurbs:

    Thursday, September 29, 2022

    Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet or Pantry with Exotic Spices

    On September 20, 1519, Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1489-1521), set sail from Spain on a mission to find a western route to the Spice Islands. He reached the coast of South America and then navigated the strait linking the Atlantic and the Pacific which now bears his name, the Strait of Magellan. He crossed the Pacific to the Philippines in1521, where he was killed in a battle with the natives. Juan Sebastian del Cano (c. 1460-1526), a Spanish navigator, stepped into the shoes of Commander after Magellan’s death and returned to Spain in 1522. Three of the five ships Magellan led on the expedition did return to Europe. But what became of the Spice Islands?

    The year is 1945 and Indonesia has been proclaimed as a republic. The islands formerly known as the Spice Islands are known today as the Moluccan Islands. No doubt discovering these islands was quite an adventure for the explorers, but these days it is very easy to go on an exotic spice adventure and never leave your kitchen.




    Just follow these spice trails:
    - Allspice from Jamaica; an essential ingredient in Caribbean cuisine.
    - Sweet and aromatic Turkish spices like Anise Seed.
    - Organic Mace and Cinnamon sticks from Indonesia.
    - Cloves originating from Madagascar.
    - Rosemary originating from Spain.
    - Herbs such as Dill Weed and Cilantro from Israel.
    - Cardamon from Guatemala.
    - Nutmeg from the East Indies. (Whole Nutmeg)
    - Juniper Berries from Yugoslavia.
    - Herbs and spices from India like Fennel, Ginger and Turmeric.
    - Tellicherry peppercorns, the fruits of the Brazilian pepper tree.
    - Commonly used herbs from France ~ Lavender, Tarragon, and Thyme.
    - Brown and Yellow Mustard Seed from Canada.
    - Garlic and Basil grown in California, USA.
    - Rubbed Sage, an Albanian herb.
    - Savory, a dried herb used Central European kitchens.
    - Oregano from Greece.
    - Caraway Seeds from Holland.
    - Hungarian Paprika
    - Egyptian Marjoram.


    Related Links of Interest
    ♦ 10 Essential International Spices For Any Kitchen
    ♦ Top 12 Must-Have Herbs To Grow In Your Kitchen Garden
    ♦ 5 Best Spices Burn Fat

    ♦ 3 Spices That Hold the Secrets of Longevity Per Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao)
    ♦ 10 Best Spices For Healthy Cooking by Matthew Kaplan
    ♦ 5 Exotic Spices From Around the World by Melisa Marzett

    Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet with Exotic Spices

    Monday, August 22, 2022

    What Kind of Broth Do You Use in Your Ramen Noodles?

    Ramen noodle, the instant noodle that the whole world now loves to eat, was invented by Momofuku Ando (1910 - 2007), a Taiwanese-Japanese inventor in Japan. It was first marketed in 1958 by his company, Nissin. Incredible! I can't remember exactly when I started eating Ramen noodles. I think it was in the 90s. I could get 5 packages for a dollar at the grocery store. I could eat a package every day. That's 20 cents for a meal. Why not?

    At first I just followed the package directions and ate them that way. Later on I learned you could add meats, vegetables, eggs, etc. and come up with all kinds of recipe variations.

    My favorite addition to Ramen noodles is cabbage; preferably bok choy; and also mushrooms. My daughter likes to add a bolied egg to the broth.


    The broth! That's another thing I like about eating Ramen noodles. I prefer chicken broth. My daughter likes beef broth. This recipe makes a broth out of black tea and ginger. Interesting. I never even thought to change the broth flavor ... UNTIL NOW!

    RamenRecipe (Made with Black Tea + Ginger Broth!) - Fit Foodie Finds

    Saturday, June 4, 2022

    5 Exotic Spices From Around the World by Melisa Marzett (Guest Post)

    Even though many herbs and spices are now readily available in local grocery stores all around the world or can easily be purchased online, most of us don't know know the history of these marvelous cooking ingredients and which country is responsible for introducing these exciting flavors to the global community.  Sharing a brief introduction to five (5) exotic spices:

    SPICE Spotlight: Juniper Berries

    http://everydayspices.webs.com/apps/blog/show/6664512-spice-spotlight-juniper-berries


    1. Asafetida. This is an Asian spice made from the roots of certain species of Ferula. It is a gum-like spice with a very strong and unpleasant smell.  Actually, the name of the spice has a Latin origin, which means “evil-smelling gum”.  Asafetida is common in Indian vegetarian cuisine and is often the main ingredient in rice and bean dishes. Additionally, it has a wide range of medicinal properties and is beneficial for people with digestive disorders, high cholesterol, and/or nervous disorders.  Asafetida is rich in minerals and nutrients, such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and protein.  Although most chefs and cooks rarely prepare a dish without onion and garlic, some people do not eat onion or garlic.  Certain people are allergic to onions and for some people, garlic causes extreme heart burn.  Asafetida is an ideal spice for those people.  In fact, its smell is similar to both onion and garlic.






    2. Dried Avocado Leaves.  This spice (or herb) originated in Mexico. It is one of the most popular spices in Mexican cuisine.  Avocado leaves have an aniseed fragrance; however, these dried leaves are odorless and have a pungent taste. Dried avocado leaves are added to bean or meat dishes. Regarding health benefits, they are useful for people who have kidney stones and hypertension. Noteworthy:  Only certain varieties of avocado leaves are to be used in cooking or for medicinal purposes because some kinds of avocado leaves can contain toxic substances.

    Additional References:

    Avocado Leaves: A Secret Mexican Ingredient

    Avocado Leaves: A Secret Mexican Ingredient

    Avocado Leaves: A Secret Mexican Ingredientby Victoria ChallancinLove at First Bite. Like any motivated foodie, I almost made myself sick sampling, musing, and guessing what unknown ingredient I was tasting in what appeared to be an ordinary black bean dip.


    3. Epazote. This is another essential spice used in Mexican cuisine. Its extraordinary (or strange) scent can be described as a combination of kerosene, mint, and citrus. Epazote is made from the leaves of Mexican herb called dysphania ambrosioides (aka "Mexican tea").  It is used with bean and meat dishes. Additionally, it can be used in soups.

    Additional Reading and Recipes:




    4. Grains of Paradise. This delicious spice is an integral part of West African cuisine. It is obtained from a flower called Aframomum melegueta. Africans believed that this flower grew in Eden. Grains of paradise look like seeds and have jasmine, citrus, and hazelnut odor. It can be added to meat, fish, and potato dishes.

    Link of Interest:
    Find spices ordered according to the region:
    GEOGRAPHIC SPICE INDEX


    Ras El Hanout (4.0 Oz) By Zamouri Spices

    Ingredients include over 30 different herbs and spices, such as: 

     Grains of Paradise, Lavender, turmeric, ajawan seeds, kalajeera, ginger, galangal, oris root, rose buds, monk's pepper, cinnamon and more!



    5. Juniper Berries. Actually, juniper berries are more likely to be cones than berries. It has the smell of fir and is used for cooking meat dishes, especially stewed rabbit or beef. These “berries” grow on the juniper tree, are common throughout Europe,  included in ancient Greek recipes, and have been found in the Egyptian pyramids.  A wide range of German traditional dishes are cooked with juniper berries.



    ♦  Hope you enjoyed this intro.
    About the writer:  Melisa Marzett works for: bigpaperwriter.com.  She does excellent research and can pen articles and supply blog publishers or website owners with quality content on almost any topic. 




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    Wednesday, May 18, 2022

    A Cultural History Of The Kebab (Reblog)

    Awesome article found at a site where I was not even looking for food-related content. Had to share. I'll give you a quick summary below, but by all means please read the article in its entirety.


    Article LinkA Cultural History Of The Kebab

    QUICK ARTICLE SUMMARY:

    • A kebab has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine.
    • The word “kebab” reached the English-speaking world in the 17th century from the Arabic kabāb, in part via Hindustani, Persian and Turkish.
    • FYI. “Kebab is normally cooked on a skewer over a fire, but some kebab dishes are made in a pan, in the oven, or even as a stew...”
    • FOR THE VEGANS. No worries. There is a “Vebab”, a vegan kebab.
    • Gyros Or Kebab? A Lively Debate ~ Middle Eastern food OR Greek by way of Turkey
    • Where Did Döner Kebap Come From? 
    FINAL QUESTION:  Which Is It, Kebab Or Kebap?

    • In Arabic-speaking countries, it's “kebab”.
    • In Turkey, it’s “kebap.”

    ALL AROUND THE WORLD?? It's just plain old good food! ☺


    https://myfoodieluv.tumblr.com/post/684628676916150272/amazing-food-history-a-cultural-history-of-the


    Find lots of kebab recipes at My Foodie Luv Tumblr blog.

    Saturday, January 22, 2022

    World Cuisine: Food History: Cuban Sandwich

    Most people, most people in or from South Florida, have heard of Little Havana, a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, built up by Cuban immigrants who fled Cuba when Fidel Castro came to power. Everybody knows this is the place to go to partake of authentic Cuban cuisine. However, did you know that the oldest Cuban sandwich shop which opened its doors in 1947, is not located in Miami? The famous Silver Ring Cafe is in Tampa, Florida.




    That was news to me. Also learned something else new. Very familiar with the Sandwich Cubano (Cuban sandwich) and Media Noche Sandwich (Midnight Sandwich); but did you know there are several variations of this sandwich? No doubt they’re all delicious! There is a third one called Elena Ruz (Cuban Turkey Sandwich). It has guava jelly as one of the ingredients. If you’ve never tried Cuban food, you must try the Cuban Sandwich. Even the world-famous chef, Bobby Flay has his own variation.

    Eating food is one of life’s greatest joys. 
    But learning food history is also great fun too!


    References:

    Internetwriter62. "The Art of the Cuban Sandwich." HUBPages.com. HUBPages Inc., 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Jan. 2017. 

    Bobby Flay Goes Cuban.” CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 1 Feb. 2007. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.  (Video.) 

    About the Blog Publisher

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