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By Luis Gustavo. See how we research and review our content.
The history behind the dishes and ingredients we eat every day is full of twists. Here are 5 facts about food history.
1. Ketchup was once sold as medicine
In the 19th century, a version of ketchup was sold in the United States as medicine for digestive problems, in pill form — decades before it became the condiment we know today.
2. The sandwich got its name because of a card game
The name comes from the Earl of Sandwich, who, according to popular history, asked for meat between slices of bread so he could keep playing cards without getting his hands dirty, back in the 18th century.
3. Margherita pizza has a “patriotic” origin story
Tradition says margherita pizza was created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Italy, using ingredients (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) matching the colors of the Italian flag.
4. Chocolate was once used as currency
Mesoamerican civilizations, like the Aztecs, used cacao beans as a form of payment — long before chocolate became the dessert we know today.
5. The fork took centuries to be accepted in Europe
When the fork was introduced in Europe, many people considered its use unnecessary or even “pretentious” — it took centuries to become a standard table item, especially among the general population.
Speaking of drinks at the table: wine and coffee hide just as many scientific and historical surprises as these, straight from the bottle and the cup.
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