sliced vegetables on brown wooden chopping board

Moments in cooking history...

Cooking history is a fascinating journey that traces back to the discovery of fire. This pivotal moment transformed the way our ancestors ate, leading to the evolution of our digestive systems and brains. Fast forward to the invention of pottery around 20,000 years ago, which allowed for the storage and slow cooking of food. Each of these moments has shaped our culinary landscape, making cooking not just a necessity, but an art form. Below are some moments in cooking history.

Tortellini

Tortellini originated in the region of Emilia Romagna in 1570. It was originally stuffed with meat and sold fresh and homemade and is now mass produced and sold frozen, refrigerated or dried all over the world.

Banana Bread

Banana Bread was first seen in the United States in the 1870's. However it did not become popular until the depression of the 1930's. In order to avoid waste, housewives used over ripened bananas in their banana bread recipes.

Peri Peri Sauce

Peri Peri sauce originated with the African Chili Pepper in the coastal regions of Southeast Africa during the 15th century. Both Portuguese and Native African cultures of Mozambique and Angola embraced the sauce and incorporated it into their cuisines. During the 20th century, Peri Peri Sauce made its way around the world.

Black Raspberry

Black raspberries were first domesticated in North America in the 1830's. Production slowed in the 1920's, however they are used to make preserves as well as black raspberry liqueur like Chambord.

Seasoned Salt

The first seasoned salt recipe was in the United States from a Los Angeles restauranteur over 80 years ago in 1938. Lawrence Frank owned a Beverly Hills restaurant where he created the first seasoned salt, and it became an instant hit amongst his patrons and others.

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts first appeared in Northern Europe during the 5th century. They were cultivated in the 13tth century near Brussels, Belgium, hence the name "Brussel Sprout."

Casserole

Casseroles dates back to the 1520's and the word "casserole" refers to the "French Saucepan" that is baked in the oven. American immigrants introduced the casserole to North America in the late 19th century.

Stews

Stewing dates back over 7,000 years. Stewing involves slowly simmering small pieces of food—typically meat and vegetables—in a liquid over low heat for an extended period. As chicken became a common protein, it naturally found its way into stews in various cultures.

Avocados

The avocado has a rich and fascinating history! Avocados are native to the highlands of south-central Mexico and Guatemala. Evidence shows that wild avocados were consumed in Mexico 10,000 years ago. Cultivation began 5,000 years ago.

Salmon

Salmon has a rich and fascinating history that spans millions of years, weaving through ecosystems, cultures, and cuisines. Ancestral salmon evolved around 25 million years ago in the North Pacific. During the 19th Century, salmon became a staple in North America. Canning began in New England in the 1840s and later boomed on the West Coast.

Tortillas

Tortillas originated in ancient Mesoamerica, around 9,000 years ago. Corn Tortillas are cooked on a comal. Popular in Central and Southern Mexico. Flour Tortillas are made of wheat flour and are popular in Northern Mexico and US Southwest. Tortilla-making machines in the mid-20th century enabled mass production and global popularity.

Root Beer

Root Beer has a fascinating history that dates back to at least the 18th century in North America. Pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires is credited with successfully marketing the first commercial brand of root beer in the late 1800s. During Prohibition, non-alcoholic root beer became even more popular.

Irish Cream

Irish cream liqueur, as we know it today, is a relatively recent invention. While the Irish have a long history of distilling whiskey and enjoying cream in various forms, the combination of the two into a shelf-stable liqueur is a product of the 20th century. Whether enjoyed neat, in coffee, or as part of a cocktail, Irish cream continues to be a cherished and versatile beverage.

Apples

Apples were first cultivated 10,000 years ago, with evidence suggesting they originated in Central Asia, particularly around present-day Kazakhstan. Apples spread across Europe and Asia, becoming a common fruit in many cultures. The Romans distributed them throughout their empire, and European settlers brought apples to North America in the 17th century.

Skewers

Skewers have a very long culinary history. Evidence suggests as early as 300,000 years ago; humans may have used sticks to cook meat over fire. The ancient Minoans had stone supports with indentations that may have held skewers, dating back to the 17th century BCE.