The top 12 weirdest moments in food history

Synopsis: In "The Top 12 Weirdest Moments in Food History," author Matt Siegel delves into peculiar and surprising episodes that have shaped our culinary world. The article reveals that in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled tomatoes as vegetables for tariff purposes, despite their botanical classification as fruits. It also discusses historical misconceptions, such as the belief that potatoes caused diseases like syphilis and leprosy due to their resemblance to afflicted body parts. The piece highlights the complex journey of vanilla, the only edible fruit of the orchid family, which is labor-intensive to produce and ranks as the second most expensive spice after saffron. Additionally, it touches on the origins of breakfast cereals, initially designed in the 1800s to be bland in order to curb sexual urges, according to their religious health reformer creators. These anecdotes, among others, offer a fascinating glimpse into the unusual and often unexpected history of common foods.

Written By: Matt Siegel
Published: September 2021