Food and Culture
Food is complicated. That creation you love from "The Great British Baking Show? It's been the subject of arguments over culture, identity and copyright.
Reclaiming Rice in Taiwan
After World War 2, the US ramped up international food aid, both as a Cold War strategy and as a way to distribute surplus products.
The Paradoxical Pomegranate
Aphrodisiac and contraceptive, enflaming and cooling, the pomegranate was a balancing act, mediating between opposing states.
The King of Mail-Order Muscles
Flab, begone! Earle Edwin Liederman wanted men to learn his vaudeville-strongman secrets—for a not-so-low price.
What Happened to Peanut Butter and Jelly?
The rise and fall of the iconic sandwich has paralleled changes in Americans' economic conditions.
Is Disgust Related to Morality?
The disgust response acts as a behavioral immune system, protecting us from disease, but produces strong reactions to perceived out-groups.
Reliving the Wonder Years of Wonder Bread
This story is as enriching as the added nutrients in the legendary white bread.
Roald Dahl’s Anti-Black Racism
The first edition of the beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory featured "pygmy" characters taken from Africa.
Turtle Soup: From Class to Mass to Aghast
During the days of the British Empire, soup made from sea turtles was a delicacy. Now it's almost unheard of. What explains the change?
Our Long-Running Love Affair with Pigeons
Through crazes of pigeon-fancying, these birds have been reshaped into a dizzying variety of forms.