The Food Chain Food and the Fall of the Berlin Wall
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Nov 14, 2014 Explore how political shifts reshape our culinary landscape, from the resurgence of the Mangalitsa pig in Hungary to the revival of communist-era flavors in Berlin. Discover the cultural journey of Gongbao chicken as it transformed during China’s Cultural Revolution. Delve into how Western fast food has influenced Chinese dining amidst urbanization. The podcast showcases personal stories reflecting the evolution of food traditions and modern eating habits in a post-communist world.
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Mangalitsa Pig's Revival
- Mangalitsa pigs, once favored by Austro-Hungarian emperors, lost popularity during communism.
- After communism, Peter Tóth revived the breed by connecting with breeders and saving them from slaughterhouses.
Food and Politics
- Communist regimes controlled food to instill socialist values like egalitarianism and communalism.
- Food items were branded to reflect these values, distinguishing them from capitalist counterparts.
Jägerschnitzel
- The DDR Museum restaurant in Berlin serves Jägerschnitzel, a schnitzel made with sausage and tomato sauce.
- This dish reflects East German resourcefulness during food shortages under communism.
