Our Fake History OFH Throwback- Episode #83- Who Invented Your Favourite Food?
Aug 24, 2021
Delve into the captivating world of food myths and their origins! Discover why the tale of Dom Pérignon tasting stars is more marketing than reality. Learn how the Earl of Sandwich may not be the true inventor of the sandwich, as ancient versions predate him. Is pasta Italian or Chinese? Sebastian debunks the Marco Polo myth and explores pasta's history in Italy. Uncover pizza's peasant roots and its development long before Queen Margherita’s visit. These entertaining stories reveal more than just history; they unveil our cultural ties to food.
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Drinking Lectures Sparked Food Myths
- Sebastian Major recounts a university course called The Social History of Alcohol where themed drinks were served during lectures.
- He uses the Dom Pérignon story from that class to show how catchy myths ("I'm tasting the stars") get invented and spread.
Marketing Creates Durable Food Myths
- Marketing and catchy anecdotes often create and cement food myths more than historical truth.
- Sebastian argues that pithy legends sell products better than messy cultural histories.
Earl Of Sandwich Gambling Tale
- Sebastian begins examining the sandwich's origin and the famous Earl of Sandwich story.
- He narrates the gambling-at-cards tale where John Montagu supposedly asked for meat between bread so he could eat without leaving the table.
