10 Foods and Their Intriguing Origins

Zee Media Bureau
Nov 16, 2023

Watermelon

Watermelon, originating in Africa, with seeds found in 5,000-year-old sites and Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb, served not just as a food source but also as a water storage method.

Coffee

Coffee's origin in Ethiopia traces back 1,000 years, with a goat herder's discovery leading to monks' fascination after tossing beans into a fire, creating the beloved drink.

Caesar salad

Contrary to popular belief, the Caesar salad was created by Caesar Cardini in Tijuana during a busy weekend, improvising with remaining ingredients and securing its place on the menu.

Corn

Corn, originating from a single domestication in southern Mexico over 9,000 years ago, underwent selective breeding to evolve from an inch-long plant to its present size.

Pizza Marinara

Named after mariners' wives ("la marina"), Neapolitan pizza is crafted with tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and oregano, serving as a comforting dish for returning fishermen.

Chocolate

Chocolate, originating in Central America around 450 BCE, was considered a divine gift, prepared as a strength-enhancing, aphrodisiac drink, and cacao seeds served as valuable currency.

Olives

Olive trees, dating back 20-40 million years in the Mediterranean, were commercially cultivated from 3000 BCE and played a pivotal role in the Minoan civilization's wealth through trade.

Duck

Duck hunting has ancient roots, evident in ice age cave paintings and Egyptian tomb murals, while 2,000-year-old Peruvian art suggests ducks were a staple in American feasts.

Hamburger

The hamburger evolved from the Hamburg steak, a popular 19th-century restaurant item, with its placement between buns likely originating from various street vendors.

Cinnamon

Native to India, rose to prominence after reaching Egypt around 2000 BCE, esteemed as a divine gift and closely guarded trade secret for centuries to maintain its high value.

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