Description
Book Synopsis: An irreverent, surprising, and entirely entertaining look at the little-known history surrounding the foods we know and love. Is Italian olive oil really Italian, or are we dipping our bread in lamp oil? Why are we masochistically drawn to foods that can hurt us, like hot peppers? Far from being a classic American dish, is apple pie actually . . . English?
“As a species, we’re hardwired to obsess over food,” Matt Siegel explains as he sets out “to uncover the hidden side of everything we put in our mouths.” Siegel also probes subjects ranging from the myths—and realities—of food as aphrodisiac, to how one of the rarest and most exotic spices in all the world (vanilla) became a synonym for uninspired sexual proclivities, to the role of food in fairy- and morality tales. He even makes a well-argued case for how ice cream helped defeat the Nazis.
The Secret History of Food is a rich and satisfying exploration of the historical, cultural, scientific, sexual, and, yes, culinary subcultures of this most essential realm. Siegel is an armchair Anthony Bourdain, armed not with a chef's knife but with knowledge derived from medieval food-related manuscripts, ancient Chinese scrolls, and obscure culinary journals. Funny and fascinating, The Secret History of Food is essential reading for all foodies.
Details
Discover the fascinating and hidden stories behind the foods we eat with "The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat." This irreverent and entertaining book takes you on a journey through the little-known history surrounding our favorite dishes. From the truth about Italian olive oil to the allure of spicy foods, author Matt Siegel delves into the mysteries and myths of our culinary world.
Uncover the surprising origins of popular dishes and ingredients, such as the English roots of apple pie. Challenge your assumptions as you learn about the complex relationship between food and desire, and the hidden power of culinary symbolism in fairy tales and morality tales. With a well-argued case for how ice cream played a part in defeating the Nazis, Siegel's exploration of food's historical, cultural, scientific, and sexual subcultures will leave you hungry for more.
As an armchair Anthony Bourdain armed with knowledge from medieval manuscripts, ancient Chinese scrolls, and obscure culinary journals, Matt Siegel presents a humorous and captivating narrative. The Secret History of Food is a must-read for all foodies who want to deepen their understanding of the foods they love.
Ready to embark on a journey through the hidden side of the culinary world? Immerse yourself in The Secret History of Food and uncover the stories behind your favorite dishes. Get your copy now!
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