Explain It to Me Bite-sized questions
Dec 11, 2024
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley, the dynamic duo behind Gastropod, bring their passion for the history and science of food to the table. They tackle listener-submitted questions about hush puppies, exploring their cultural roots and transformation over the years. The conversation shifts to the lavish world of wedding cakes, revealing their evolution and the socio-economic implications behind them. Lastly, the duo dives into the A1 vs. A2 milk debate, discussing new findings about A2 milk’s digestive benefits for lactose-intolerant individuals.
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Hush Puppies: Southern Fried Treat
- Robert Moss describes hush puppies as crisp golden brown orbs of fried cornmeal batter popular in the South.
- The texture is crucial, balancing crispness outside with softness inside, distinguishing it from other cornmeal fried goods.
Origins of Hush Puppies
- The term 'hush puppy' appeared relatively late, evolving from 'Red Horse Bread' popularized by Romeo Gavon near Edisto River, SC.
- Early 20th-century innovations like deep frying and cheaper lard oils enabled hush puppies to spread and become distinct from prior fried cornmeal dishes.
Why the Name 'Hush Puppy'?
- The name 'hush puppy' likely derives from a metaphor implying the food quiets hunger pangs, not actual dogs.
- This metaphorical explanation is more plausible than folklore stories involving dogs or Civil War tactics.