Why did the ancient Romans believe cinnamon grew in swamps guarded by giant killer bats? How did African cultures imported by slavery influence cooking in the American South? What does the 700-seat McDonald's in Beijing serve in the age of globalization? With the answers to these and many more such questions, this third edition of Cuisine and Culture presents an engaging, entertaining, and informative exploration of the interactions among history, culture, and food.

This book looks at the seven most important ingredients in world cuisine: rice, salt, honey, pork, tomato, chilli and cacao.

Humanity's desire for spices and other luxury items eventually connected the entire globe. Track the powerful trading empires of the Venetians and Portuguese, the Spanish conquest of the New World, and the "Columbian exchange" -- where plants and animals from five continents were globally transplanted, changing eating habits around the world.

What is a truffle? Is it the ubermushroo, the highest order of fungal foods? Does it arrive, as some cultures feel, in the moment of a thunderclap? One thing is for sure: despite its unappetizing appearance, the truffle is without a doubt one of the most prized ingredients in the world's pantry. In this book, Zachary Nowak digs deep into the history and fame of this unlikeliest of luxury items, exploring the truffle's intoxicating hold on our senses how its distinctive flavor has become an instant indication of haute cuisine. Nowak traces the truffle's journey from the kitchens of.

Explore the rich stories, symbolism, and traditions that come wrapped up in the food on our plates food that not only feeds our bodies but also makes up our culture. In The Story of Food our millennia-old relationship with nearly 200 foods is sumptuously illustrated, with tales from all over the world. A true celebration of food in all its forms, this book explores the early efforts of humans in their quest for sustenance through the stories of individual foods. Covering all food types including nuts and grains, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and herbs and spices, this fascinating reference provides the facts on all aspects of a food's history. It explains how foods have become a part of our culture from their origins to how they are eaten and their place in world cuisine.

In this book renowned food writer Barbara Santich develops a credo for enjoying eating in modern Australia. With topics like "flavour first, rainforests second", her book is sure to provoke passionate debate.