Plant of the Month: Cinnamon
Of early modern medicinal monopolies and the nature of a "true" product of empire.
The Joy of Eating in Utopia
The early socialist Charles Fourier had grand ideas about food. The pleasure of eating was right up there with sex.
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?
Thanksgiving Stories
Turkey or Tofurkey? Stuffing or dressing? Whatever the controversy, these Thanksgiving stories will slake your appetite!
The Desperate Quest for American Cinnamon
Centuries ago, Europeans went to extreme and horrific lengths in search of the spice.
Garlic and Social Class
Immigrants from southern Italy were stereotyped for their use of the aromatic vegetable.
Food and Class: What’s in the Fridge?
A recent New York Times quiz got us thinking about refrigerators, food, diet, and assumptions about class. Here are 11 stories on the subject.
The Taínos Refused to Grow Food. The Spanish Starved.
Rebellion against invasion triggered a series of events that would take a "swift and violent toll" on a Caribbean island's native biodiversity.
The Delectably Indulgent History of Perfect Food Photos
Instagram didn't invent photos of culinary masterpieces designed to inflame the appetite. Cookbooks have been at it for centuries.
Isinglass; or, The Many Miracles of Fish Glue
Isinglass comes from the swim bladders of certain kinds of fish and can be found in everything from beer recipes to illuminated manuscripts. Ew? No way.