The Impact of Refrigeration on Diets

Refrigeration has significantly transformed diets and food accessibility, as highlighted by the historical shifts in a town in Indiana between 1890 and 1925. Before refrigeration, residents relied on limited winter diets mainly composed of preserved foods and starchy meals, which often led to widespread nutritional deficiencies, such as what was referred to as 'spring sickness.' With the advent of refrigeration, grocery stores began stocking fresh produce and fruits from distant regions, including tropical imports like bananas and oranges, essentially broadening dietary choices and enhancing nutrition. This change not only alleviated health issues but also shifted cultural eating habits, allowing modern society to experience a 'supermarket in permanent summertime.'