Research conducted by Sherri Mason, a scientist at Penn State University, revealed that bottled water contains an average of 325 plastic particles per liter, while tap water only contains about 5.5 plastic particles per liter. Microplastics are ingested by marine organisms and accumulate within the food chain, affecting a range of species from filter feeders […]
Sweet Origins: Duck Sauce’s American Innovation and Culinary Fusion
Duck Sauce, a delectable condiment, originated in America as Chinese restaurateurs recognized the American palate’s preference for sweeter flavors. To cater to this preference, they crafted a scrumptious alternative to the traditional Tianmian (Sweet Bean) Sauce that typically accompanies Peking Duck. This innovation led to the creation of Duck Sauce, which has since become a […]
Jefferson’s Macaroni Mishap: The State Dinner and the Birth of an American Classic
During a visit to Paris, Thomas Jefferson was so enamored by macaroni and cheese that he took the time to document the recipe and the process of pasta extrusion. Upon his return, he imported a pasta maker, macaroni, and Parmesan cheese to prepare the dish at his home. In 1802, Jefferson introduced macaroni and cheese […]
Brooklyn’s Iconic WWII Dessert: The Blackout Cake
The Blackout Cake, also known as the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, is a delectable chocolate dessert consisting of a rich chocolate cake filled with creamy chocolate pudding and adorned with chocolate cake crumbles. This scrumptious treat traces its origins back to World War II when it was created by Ebinger’s, a well-known Brooklyn bakery. The cake […]
Pizza: A Culinary Sensation Introduced in 1944 and Its Spread Across America
In 1944, the New York Times introduced its readers to an exhilarating culinary sensation: pizza. While pizza had already gained popularity in New York, particularly among Italian communities, it was less well-known outside of those neighborhoods. Back then, if a restaurant wasn’t within roughly five blocks of your residence, you might never discover it. World […]
Chinese Cuisine’s American Journey: From Gold Rush to Fusion
Chinese cuisine first made its way to America during the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848. With an influx of around 30,000 immigrants hailing from the Canton region in China, these new arrivals established restaurants that served not only as sources of familiar flavors for the predominantly male demographic, but also as social hubs […]
Origins and Evolution of the Iconic British Fish and Chips
The custom of enjoying Fish and Chips in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish and Portuguese Jewish immigrants introduced the dish. This culinary innovation enabled Jews to consume fish from Friday evening meals during the Sabbath, a day when Judaism prohibits the use of fire or electricity for […]
Vegetarian Gladiators: The Overweight Warriors of Ancient Rome
Roman gladiators, contrary to popular belief, were not heavily muscular but rather carried excess weight. Their diets were predominantly plant-based, much like the majority of the Roman population. Meat was considered a luxury item and not a dietary staple. Gladiators were often referred to as “hordearii,” or barley men, due to their high-carbohydrate diet, which […]
The Birth of the TV Dinner: How Swanson Transformed Mealtime
Swanson ended up with an unexpected 260 tons of frozen turkey after Thanksgiving in 1953. This led to the creation of the iconic TV Dinner, which revolutionized mealtime for busy Americans. The original TV Dinners came in aluminum trays and were marketed as a convenient and modern way to enjoy a complete meal in front […]
The Addictive Design of Cheetos
Frito-Lay invested $30 million annually in a team of 500 experts to create the perfect combination of texture, fragrance, and mouthfeel in Cheetos, leading to their addictiveness and popularity.