Journalist Jennifer 8. Lee delves into the intriguing history of fortune cookies, tracing their journey from Japan to America. The podcast uncovers the surprising origins of this iconic treat and explores the cultural fusion in American cuisine, highlighting the role of Chinese immigrants. A fun and informative episode that reveals the fascinating evolution of fortune cookies.
Fortune cookies originated in Japan, not China, and were brought to the US by Japanese immigrants.
The evolution of fortune cookies in the US highlights how immigrant communities contribute to food culture.
Deep dives
Origin of Fortune Cookies
Fortune cookies, commonly associated with Chinese restaurants in the US, actually originated in Japan. In the late 1800s, these cookies were made by hand in Japan, flavored with ingredients like miso paste and sesame, and had the fortune placed outside the cookie. Japanese immigrants likely brought the cookie recipe to America, specifically to California. Over time, the cookies evolved in the US, becoming smaller, sweeter, and flavored with vanilla and butter to cater to American tastes.
Evolution of Fortune Cookies in America
As Japanese immigrants like Makoto Hagiwara popularized fortune cookies in America, the cookies transitioned from being handmade to using machines for mass production. Chinese Americans also played a significant role in popularizing fortune cookies. The paper fortunes were placed inside the cookies, a variation from the original Japanese style. This transformation showcases how immigrant communities contribute to the evolution of foods in a new cultural context.
Cultural Significance of Fortune Cookies
The history of fortune cookies reflects a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and American cultures. During World War II, Japanese internment led to Japanese businesses closing, allowing Chinese Americans to adopt and popularize fortune cookies. Fortune cookies, now deeply associated with Chinese food, have become an integral part of American cuisine. This example illustrates how foods introduced by immigrants adapt and evolve in new environments, embodying a fusion of diverse cultural influences.
When most of us think of fortune cookies, we think of those little folded cookies that come with Chinese food. But did you know that fortune cookies aren’t from China? So where did they come from? And why do we think of them as Chinese? Join Joy and co-host Harlem as they find answers and trace the cookie’s journey. We’ll also hear from journalist Jennifer 8. Lee who wrote an entire book all about fortune cookies, plus a brand new First Things First!
Featured expert: Jennifer 8. Lee is a journalist, film producer, and author. She wrote an entire book about the history of fortune cookies called The Fortune Cookie Chronicles. Lee also produced a documentary about the origins of General Tso’s Chicken. To learn more, check out her website.
Resources: To learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans, check out the graphic novel Displacement by Kiku Hughes.
This episode was sponsored by: Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.
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