15 foods that changed the world; When war and revolution start from the kitchen

Food is something that humans need for survival; But throughout the history of food, in addition to survival, for other purposes such as enjoying the flavors, people have also been interested in it, and that’s why people try to create new flavors. From simple items like bread and rice to special products like chocolate and vanilla, we will introduce 15 foods that have changed history. (MSN)

Sugarcane is a plant from which sugar is produced. This plant caused the Europeans to colonize the tropics; This also fueled the prosperity of the slave trade. Throughout history, sugar has changed the way humans eat; In fact, sugar has caused the production of sweets, sweet drinks, candies and the emergence of a global epidemic of diabetes.

Photographer: unknown / website gesund.bund.de

As the main food of the first civilizations, bread has played a central role in human history. In fact, the sustainable harvest of grain for bread production allowed the nomads to create the first permanent settlements. Throughout history, people’s strong dependence on bread was so great that its lack could lead to social unrest.

Photographer: unknown / koha.mk

Tomatoes are native to America. At first, Europeans considered tomatoes poisonous; But after some time, they accepted it as a healthy food and this also caused the transformation of the culinary world. Currently, tomato has become a key ingredient in the preparation of many foods in many countries, such as the countries of the Middle East region and the European continent.

Photographer: Thomas Martinsen / unsplash.com

Coffee, a drink that changed the world in a profound way, was first discovered in Ethiopia and made its way to Europe in the 17th century. Over time, coffee trade flourished in the world. Also, coffee popularized the culture of cafés in Europe; Europeans used to go to cafes, drink coffee and engage in scientific discussions.

Photographer: Jakub Dziubak / unsplash.com

Before Europeans became interested in the taste of tea, this drink was consumed in China and Japan for medicinal and cultural purposes; But the global demand for tea caused the prosperity of the tea trade in the world. Also, this product played an important role in the economy of the British Empire.

Photographer: Manki Kim / unsplash.com

Chocolate is obtained from the cocoa tree. For the first time, native tribes in America planted this plant and drank it as a bitter drink in their ceremonies. After Europeans discovered cacao, they forced slaves to work in cacao fields to cultivate more cacao; This also brought great wealth to Europe and America.

Photographer: Pablo Merchán Montes / unsplash.com

Before the invention of refrigerators and cooling devices, salt was considered a very necessary and extremely valuable material for food preservation. The massive demand for salt made many cities in the world prosper economically, and throughout history, many powers went to war to obtain salt.

Photographer: Jason Tuinstra / unsplash.com

Some sources say that cheese was discovered in the fifth century BC. Cheese is actually a way to store milk for a long time and provide protein, fat and calories needed by humans. Throughout history, this food has played an important role in the cooking of different countries such as Italy.

Photographer: Andra C Taylor Jr / unsplash.com

The natives of Mexico first planted vanilla and then this food made its way to Europe. This product quickly became one of the most expensive and desirable spices in the world. The global demand for vanilla made the country “Madagascar” to be colonized for vanilla cultivation. Vanilla is now the most popular flavor in the world’s dessert industry.

Photographer: sidath vimukthi / unsplash.com

After the potato was transferred from the Americas to Europe, it completely transformed the diet and agriculture. The ability of this simple crop to grow in adverse conditions made it an important crop in many areas and caused rapid population growth, especially in Ireland and Eastern Europe.

Photographer: Hai Nguyen / unsplash.com

First in the world, the natives of Mexico planted corn in their lands. Corn was then cultivated throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, this product is used not only as the main food for humans, but also as the basis of livestock and poultry feed. Corn is now grown more than any other crop in the United States.

Photographer: Wouter Supardi Salari / unsplash.com

Rice is undoubtedly one of the most important food items in history. It was first cultivated in China about 9,000 years ago and has become a mainstay of Asian cuisine and countless other cultures. Rice cultivation, like some other crops, strengthened colonialism and slave trade throughout history, and in some cultures, it is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

Photographer: Vinn Koonyosying / unsplash.com

Noodles are nearly 4,000 years old and were first produced in China. Thanks to the Silk Road, this product was transferred to countries such as Japan, Vietnam and Italy. Noodles are still considered a global symbol of food and are very popular.

Photographer: M. W / unsplash.com

Meat has been one of the most vital food items for human survival. Meat protein made the human brain evolve throughout history. Over time, animal domestication to supply meat and its products had a huge impact on agriculture and world trade.

Photographer: Jez Timms / unsplash.com

Beans were cultivated in different civilizations since ancient times. This product, when meat was scarce, served as a vital source of protein and nutrients, and now plays an important role in cooking in various parts of the world, from India to America.

Photographer: Łukasz Rawa / unsplash.com

Do you know about the history of other foods or is it interesting to know the history of food? We will be happy if you share your knowledge and opinions with us and the companions of Kajaro.

Cover photo source: historysnob.com; Photographer: Unknown