food history http://www.npr.org food history en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Wed, 01 May 2013 18:01:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg food history http://www.npr.org yes Bones Tell Tale Of Desperation Among The Starving At Jamestown The winter of 1609-1610 has been called the "starving time" for the hundreds of men and women who settled the English colony of Jamestown, Va. They ate their horses, their pets — and, apparently, at least one person. Scientists say human bones recovered from the site provide the first hard evidence that the colonists may have resorted to cannibalism. Wed, 01 May 2013 18:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/05/01/180314773/bones-tell-tale-of-desperation-among-the-starving-at-jamestown?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/05/01/180314773/bones-tell-tale-of-desperation-among-the-starving-at-jamestown?ft=1&f=141521435 The winter of 1609-1610 has been called the "starving time" for the hundreds of men and women who settled the English colony of Jamestown, Va. They ate their horses, their pets — and, apparently, at least one person. Scientists say human bones recovered from the site provide the first hard evidence that the colonists may have resorted to cannibalism. 226 no The winter of 1609-1610 has been called the "starving time" for the hundreds of men and women who settled the English colony of Jamestown, Va. They ate their horses, their pets — and, apparently, at least one person. Scientists say human bones recovered from the site provide the first hard evidence that the colonists may have resorted to cannibalism.

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]]> EU Embraces 'Suspended Coffee': Pay It Forward With A Cup Of Joe About a century ago, a beautiful tradition emerged in the Italian city of Naples: Cafe-goers would buy a cup of coffee anonymously and in advance for a less-fortunate stranger. With much of Europe now in tight financial times, the custom is spreading across the continent. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:04:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/04/24/178829301/eu-embraces-suspended-coffee-pay-it-forward-with-a-cup-of-joe?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/04/24/178829301/eu-embraces-suspended-coffee-pay-it-forward-with-a-cup-of-joe?ft=1&f=141521435 About a century ago, a beautiful tradition emerged in the Italian city of Naples: Cafe-goers would buy a cup of coffee anonymously and in advance for a less-fortunate stranger. With much of Europe now in tight financial times, the custom is spreading across the continent. no About a century ago, a beautiful tradition emerged in the Italian city of Naples: Cafe-goers would buy a cup of coffee anonymously and in advance for a less-fortunate stranger. With much of Europe now in tight financial times, the custom is spreading across the continent.

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]]> An Oral History Of New York Food: Dining Out Wasn't Always 'In' New York is now known for pricey restaurants and celebrity chefs. But there are still a few folks who remember buying food from horse-drawn wagons in the city. An audio project aims to preserve these memories, and the voices that share them. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:23:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/03/19/174772666/an-oral-history-of-new-york-food-dining-out-wasnt-always-in?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/03/19/174772666/an-oral-history-of-new-york-food-dining-out-wasnt-always-in?ft=1&f=141521435 New York is now known for pricey restaurants and celebrity chefs. But there are still a few folks who remember buying food from horse-drawn wagons in the city. An audio project aims to preserve these memories, and the voices that share them. no New York is now known for pricey restaurants and celebrity chefs. But there are still a few folks who remember buying food from horse-drawn wagons in the city. An audio project aims to preserve these memories, and the voices that share them.

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]]> Poi: Hawaii's Recipe For Revitalizing Island Culture With only about 1,000 full-blooded Hawaiians left in the world, preserving native island culture is a huge challenge. One way to do this: teach students and other island residents the ancient art of making poi, a dish that's been feeding native Hawaiians for centuries. Sun, 10 Mar 2013 04:05:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/03/10/173841432/poi-hawaiis-recipe-for-revitalizing-island-culture?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/03/10/173841432/poi-hawaiis-recipe-for-revitalizing-island-culture?ft=1&f=141521435 With only about 1,000 full-blooded Hawaiians left in the world, preserving native island culture is a huge challenge. One way to do this: teach students and other island residents the ancient art of making poi, a dish that's been feeding native Hawaiians for centuries. 234 no With only about 1,000 full-blooded Hawaiians left in the world, preserving native island culture is a huge challenge. One way to do this: teach students and other island residents the ancient art of making poi, a dish that's been feeding native Hawaiians for centuries.

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]]> How The Sweet Potato Crossed The Pacific Way Before The Europeans Did The genes of the root vegetable have a juicy story to tell of trans-oceanic adventure. A DNA analysis of sweet potatoes adds evidence to the theory that ancient Polynesians visited South America long before the Europeans arrived. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:55:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/01/22/169980441/how-the-sweet-potato-crossed-the-pacific-before-columbus?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/01/22/169980441/how-the-sweet-potato-crossed-the-pacific-before-columbus?ft=1&f=141521435 The genes of the root vegetable have a juicy story to tell of trans-oceanic adventure. A DNA analysis of sweet potatoes adds evidence to the theory that ancient Polynesians visited South America long before the Europeans arrived. no The genes of the root vegetable have a juicy story to tell of trans-oceanic adventure. A DNA analysis of sweet potatoes adds evidence to the theory that ancient Polynesians visited South America long before the Europeans arrived.

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]]> Five Facts About Pie That Might Surprise You, And A Survey The first pies were called "coffins" and full of meat, but for modern Americans, it's all about apple pie. Help us prepare for NPR's Pie Week by taking our survey and voting for your favorite pie. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:23:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/06/19/155347648/five-facts-about-pie-that-might-surprise-you-and-a-survey?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/06/19/155347648/five-facts-about-pie-that-might-surprise-you-and-a-survey?ft=1&f=141521435 The first pies were called "coffins" and full of meat, but for modern Americans, it's all about apple pie. Help us prepare for NPR's Pie Week by taking our survey and voting for your favorite pie. no The first pies were called "coffins" and full of meat, but for modern Americans, it's all about apple pie. Help us prepare for NPR's Pie Week by taking our survey and voting for your favorite pie.

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]]> The California Taco Trail: 'How Mexican Food Conquered America' Once upon a time, tacos were a Mexican snack. Now they're an all-American institution. Gustavo Arellano leads us across Southern California in search of the roots of the American taco. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:35:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/04/23/150886690/the-california-taco-trail-how-mexican-food-conquered-america?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/04/23/150886690/the-california-taco-trail-how-mexican-food-conquered-america?ft=1&f=141521435 Once upon a time, tacos were a Mexican snack. Now they're an all-American institution. Gustavo Arellano leads us across Southern California in search of the roots of the American taco. 353 no Once upon a time, tacos were a Mexican snack. Now they're an all-American institution. Gustavo Arellano leads us across Southern California in search of the roots of the American taco.

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]]> Is That A Plastic Baby Jesus In My Cake? It isn't Mardi Gras without a king cake, a sugary confection topped with lurid icing that just screams indulgence. But in recent years the traditional porcelain baby has been elbowed out by a plastic model that you have to hide yourself. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:47:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/17/147039138/is-that-a-plastic-baby-jesus-in-my-cake?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/17/147039138/is-that-a-plastic-baby-jesus-in-my-cake?ft=1&f=141521435 It isn't Mardi Gras without a king cake, a sugary confection topped with lurid icing that just screams indulgence. But in recent years the traditional porcelain baby has been elbowed out by a plastic model that you have to hide yourself. no It isn't Mardi Gras without a king cake, a sugary confection topped with lurid icing that just screams indulgence. But in recent years the traditional porcelain baby has been elbowed out by a plastic model that you have to hide yourself.

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]]> More Than Miso: Food Writer In Japan Records Struggling Region's Cuisine In a new cookbook, food writer Elizabeth Andoh tells the story of the cuisine of Japan's Tohoku region, which was hard hit by last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. Andoh says it's important to document the region's cuisine now, because traditional dishes often disappear during periods of upheaval. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:46:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/09/146643164/more-than-miso-food-writer-in-japan-records-struggling-regions-cuisine?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/09/146643164/more-than-miso-food-writer-in-japan-records-struggling-regions-cuisine?ft=1&f=141521435 In a new cookbook, food writer Elizabeth Andoh tells the story of the cuisine of Japan's Tohoku region, which was hard hit by last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. Andoh says it's important to document the region's cuisine now, because traditional dishes often disappear during periods of upheaval. 212 no In a new cookbook, food writer Elizabeth Andoh tells the story of the cuisine of Japan's Tohoku region, which was hard hit by last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. Andoh says it's important to document the region's cuisine now, because traditional dishes often disappear during periods of upheaval.

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]]> In China, Finding A New Way To Eat In Times Of Plenty As people get richer, they tend to get fatter. That's what's happening in China, where 25 percent of adults are now obese or overweight. But some Chinese are discovering that it's possible to enjoy times of plenty and still stay slim. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:52:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/30/144426549/in-china-finding-a-new-way-to-eat-in-times-of-plenty?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/30/144426549/in-china-finding-a-new-way-to-eat-in-times-of-plenty?ft=1&f=141521435 As people get richer, they tend to get fatter. That's what's happening in China, where 25 percent of adults are now obese or overweight. But some Chinese are discovering that it's possible to enjoy times of plenty and still stay slim. 320 no As people get richer, they tend to get fatter. That's what's happening in China, where 25 percent of adults are now obese or overweight. But some Chinese are discovering that it's possible to enjoy times of plenty and still stay slim.

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]]> A Christmas Pudding In The Mail Carries A Taste Of Home My mother always made Christmas puddings. Nowadays, my sister and brother-in-law send me one every year from England. They use a mid-Victorian recipe handed down from a Quaker. Unlike other Christmas treats, a well-made, properly sealed Christmas pudding will keep for a year, or more. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:12:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/21/144080061/a-christmas-pudding-in-the-mail-carries-a-taste-of-home?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/21/144080061/a-christmas-pudding-in-the-mail-carries-a-taste-of-home?ft=1&f=141521435 My mother always made Christmas puddings. Nowadays, my sister and brother-in-law send me one every year from England. They use a mid-Victorian recipe handed down from a Quaker. Unlike other Christmas treats, a well-made, properly sealed Christmas pudding will keep for a year, or more. no My mother always made Christmas puddings. Nowadays, my sister and brother-in-law send me one every year from England. They use a mid-Victorian recipe handed down from a Quaker. Unlike other Christmas treats, a well-made, properly sealed Christmas pudding will keep for a year, or more.

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]]> Oyster Ice Cream: A Thanksgiving Tradition Mark Twain Could Get Behind Oyster ice cream may be more traditional fare than many of the dishes we serve for Thanksgiving, says chef José Andrés. He's showcasing American food history in his collaboration with the National Archives. But modern diners can appreciate this briny treat, too. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/23/142669973/oyster-ice-cream-a-thanksgiving-tradition-mark-twain-could-get-behind?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/23/142669973/oyster-ice-cream-a-thanksgiving-tradition-mark-twain-could-get-behind?ft=1&f=141521435 Oyster ice cream may be more traditional fare than many of the dishes we serve for Thanksgiving, says chef José Andrés. He's showcasing American food history in his collaboration with the National Archives. But modern diners can appreciate this briny treat, too. 574 no Oyster ice cream may be more traditional fare than many of the dishes we serve for Thanksgiving, says chef José Andrés. He's showcasing American food history in his collaboration with the National Archives. But modern diners can appreciate this briny treat, too.

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]]> Farm-Fresh Food May Have Shaped The Modern Mouth Easy-to-chew foods like rice and corn may have influenced the evolution of the human jawbone. New research says it may also help account for the fact that children in the United States often need to have braces because their mouths can't accommodate their teeth. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:57:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/21/142596468/farm-fresh-food-may-have-shaped-the-modern-mouth?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/21/142596468/farm-fresh-food-may-have-shaped-the-modern-mouth?ft=1&f=141521435 Easy-to-chew foods like rice and corn may have influenced the evolution of the human jawbone. New research says it may also help account for the fact that children in the United States often need to have braces because their mouths can't accommodate their teeth. no Easy-to-chew foods like rice and corn may have influenced the evolution of the human jawbone. New research says it may also help account for the fact that children in the United States often need to have braces because their mouths can't accommodate their teeth.

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]]> For The Origins Of Pie, Look To The Humble Magpie Magpies and crows are well-known for their habit of collecting odds and ends in their nests. Not so very different, the thinking goes, from the way medieval cooks assembled ingredients for their pies. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/17/142460593/for-the-origins-of-pie-look-to-the-humble-magpie?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/17/142460593/for-the-origins-of-pie-look-to-the-humble-magpie?ft=1&f=141521435 Magpies and crows are well-known for their habit of collecting odds and ends in their nests. Not so very different, the thinking goes, from the way medieval cooks assembled ingredients for their pies. no Magpies and crows are well-known for their habit of collecting odds and ends in their nests. Not so very different, the thinking goes, from the way medieval cooks assembled ingredients for their pies.

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]]> The Historic Allure Of A Late Night Oyster Americans have sought out midnight oysters for centuries, for their convenience, their lightness, and their mischievous reputation. Whatever the appeal, the salty late night snack flaunting flavor over bulk endures. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:05:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/10/19/141521348/the-historic-allure-of-a-late-night-oyster?ft=1&f=141521435 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/10/19/141521348/the-historic-allure-of-a-late-night-oyster?ft=1&f=141521435 Americans have sought out midnight oysters for centuries, for their convenience, their lightness, and their mischievous reputation. Whatever the appeal, the salty late night snack flaunting flavor over bulk endures. no Americans have sought out midnight oysters for centuries, for their convenience, their lightness, and their mischievous reputation. Whatever the appeal, the salty late night snack flaunting flavor over bulk endures.

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