Food History

4 articles

15th-century spice traders in a vibrant marketplace with ships on the horizon, highlighting the historical global reach of the spice trade.

Culture

What is the history of spices and their global cuisine influence?

In the 15th century, a single pound of nutmeg could buy seven oxen.

Amara Okoro·June 26, 2026

A vintage hot dog stand at dusk, with a single, iconic hot dog on a bun, representing the legacy of author Eleanor Jenkins.

Recipes

Author of Definitive Hot Dog Guide Dies at 102

Eleanor "Ellie" Mae Jenkins, the reclusive author who meticulously documented every regional hot dog style in her seminal 1952 book, passed away last Tuesday at 102, leaving behind a legacy that redef

Julian Vance·June 19, 2026

A visual timeline showcasing the evolution of fermentation from ancient practices to modern culinary science, highlighting its global cultural impact.

Culture

What is fermentation's cultural significance and history in global cuisine?

In 1857, Louis Pasteur peered through a microscope and discovered that the ancient art of fermentation, practiced for millennia, was actually driven by invisible, living cells, according to Rockefelle

Amara Okoro·May 29, 2026

The exterior of the historic Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, with its iconic sign, bathed in a soft, evocative light.

Recipes

Sam Sianis, beloved Billy Goat Tavern owner, passes away

On May 15, 2026, Sam Sianis, the 91-year-old owner of Chicago's legendary Billy Goat Tavern, passed away, having outlived the infamous 'Cubs Curse' his family's establishment helped create.

Kurt Zimmerman·May 23, 2026