Food history
Encyclopedia
Food history is an interdisciplinary field that examines the history
of food
, and the cultural, economic, environmental, and sociological impacts of food. Food history is considered distinct from the more traditional field of culinary history, which focuses on the origin and recreation of specific recipes. Food historians look at food as one of the most important elements of cultures, reflecting the social and economic structure of society.
Food history is a new discipline, considered until recently a fringe discipline. The first journal in the field, Petits Propos Culinaires
was launched in 1979 and the first conference on the subject was the 1981 Oxford Food Symposium.
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
of food
Food
Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals...
, and the cultural, economic, environmental, and sociological impacts of food. Food history is considered distinct from the more traditional field of culinary history, which focuses on the origin and recreation of specific recipes. Food historians look at food as one of the most important elements of cultures, reflecting the social and economic structure of society.
Food history is a new discipline, considered until recently a fringe discipline. The first journal in the field, Petits Propos Culinaires
Petits Propos Culinaires
Petits Propos Culinaires is a journal of the history of food and cookery. Founded by Alan Davidson in 1979, it is now edited by Tom Jaine and is published by Prospect Books. The frequency of publication, three times a year, has not varied; nor has the format...
was launched in 1979 and the first conference on the subject was the 1981 Oxford Food Symposium.