Did You Know - 100 Years Ago
Today, June 6, 1923 - Food Preparation
In an era before widespread refrigeration, food preservation techniques played a vital role in ensuring food availability and minimizing waste. On June 6, 1923, various methods of food preservation, such as canning, pickling, and smoking, were widely practiced. Home canning was a common activity, allowing families to preserve fruits, vegetables, and jams for consumption during the off-season. These preservation methods allowed people to enjoy the flavors of summer fruits and vegetables throughout the year and helped to extend the shelf life of perishable items.
On June 6, 1923, food preservation techniques were at the forefront of households' efforts to ensure a steady food supply and minimize waste. In an era when refrigeration was not yet a widespread luxury, various methods of preserving food played a vital role in extending its shelf life and preserving its flavors.
Home canning was a popular activity during this time, allowing families to capture the bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables during the peak season and enjoy them throughout the year. Canning involved carefully sealing fresh produce in glass jars to create a vacuum and prevent spoilage. Fruits like peaches, berries, and apples were transformed into vibrant jams, jellies, and preserves, preserving their natural sweetness. Vegetables, such as tomatoes, green beans, and corn, were canned to provide nourishing and flavorful additions to meals even in the winter months.
The canning process was a labor of love that required meticulous preparation. Families would gather together, often in the warmth of the summer kitchen, to wash, peel, chop, and prepare the fruits and vegetables. The jars would be sterilized, filled with the carefully prepared produce, and processed in boiling water or a pressure canner to ensure proper preservation. The sound of the jars sealing as they cooled was a satisfying confirmation that the food inside was protected from spoilage.
Pickling was another prevalent method of food preservation. Vegetables such as cucumbers, beets, and cabbage were transformed into tangy, flavorful pickles through the process of brining or fermenting. These pickles provided a welcome burst of flavor and texture, adding a refreshing crunch to meals year-round. Pickling not only extended the shelf life of vegetables but also enhanced their taste profiles, infusing them with spices, vinegar, and other flavorings.
Smoking was yet another technique employed to preserve and enhance the flavor of meats and fish. Smoked meats, such as ham, bacon, and sausages, were prepared by exposing them to the aromatic smoke of hardwood fires. This process not only imparted a distinctive smoky flavor but also helped to inhibit the growth of bacteria, extending the meat's shelf life. Smoked fish, such as salmon or herring, was a delicacy enjoyed by many, with the smoking process adding a rich, savory dimension to their taste.
These food preservation methods allowed families to make the most of the seasonal abundance, preventing spoilage and ensuring a varied diet throughout the year. By preserving the flavors of fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish, households could savor the tastes of summer, even in the depths of winter. The art of food preservation was passed down through generations, creating a sense of continuity and resourcefulness in the kitchen.
In addition to the practical benefits, food preservation also fostered a sense of community and sharing. Neighbors would come together for canning parties, exchanging recipes and tips while working side by side to preserve the harvest. Surplus produce would be shared, ensuring that no food went to waste and that everyone had access to preserved goods during leaner times.
The food preservation techniques of canning, pickling, and smoking practiced on June 6, 1923, demonstrated the resourcefulness and ingenuity of individuals in making the most of their food resources. These methods allowed families to enjoy the flavors of seasonal produce year-round, minimizing waste, and providing a sense of security in times when food availability was not guaranteed. Today, while modern refrigeration has made preservation easier, these traditional methods continue to be cherished for their historical significance and the preservation of culinary traditions.
Food preservation techniques were implemented in some European countries during the early 20th century:
1. Italy:
In Italy, a country renowned for its culinary traditions, food preservation techniques played a crucial role in extending the shelf life of regional delicacies. Italian households practiced various methods such as canning, drying, and fermenting. Tomatoes were canned in abundance to create flavorful sauces like passata and tomato paste, which formed the foundation of many traditional dishes. Fruits such as figs and grapes were dried to make sweet treats, while olives were cured and preserved in brine. These techniques allowed Italians to savor the flavors of their beloved cuisine throughout the year.
2. France:
In France, the art of food preservation was embraced with gusto. Canning, or "conserves," was a popular method employed to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables. Jams and jellies made from strawberries, cherries, and other fruits were stored in glass jars, ready to be enjoyed during colder months. French households also excelled in pickling vegetables, creating an array of vibrant and tangy cornichons, pickled onions, and sauerkraut. Additionally, smoked meats, such as sausages and hams, were prepared using traditional methods, infusing them with rich flavors.
3. Germany:
In Germany, food preservation techniques were integral to ensuring a stable food supply throughout the year. Home canning, known as "Einwecken," was widely practiced, allowing families to preserve an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and jams. Traditional German sauerkraut, made by fermenting finely shredded cabbage, was a staple that added tanginess to meals. The country's love for pickled cucumbers, known as "Gurken," was evident in every household. Additionally, German butchers skillfully smoked sausages and meats, contributing to the country's renowned charcuterie tradition.
4. Spain:
In Spain, food preservation techniques were deeply rooted in the country's rich culinary heritage. Traditional preservation methods, such as "escabeche" and "adobo," were employed to preserve fish and meat. Fish, such as sardines and anchovies, were marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and spices to create deliciously tangy escabeche. Meat, particularly pork, was cured and preserved to make the famous Spanish ham, "jamón." Additionally, sun-drying was a prevalent method used for preserving tomatoes, peppers, and fruits, which were later rehydrated and incorporated into traditional dishes.
5. United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom, food preservation techniques were indispensable in a country where seasons dictated food availability. Canning was widely practiced, with households preserving fruits, vegetables, and jams for year-round consumption. British households were particularly adept at making fruit preserves and chutneys, using local produce such as apples, plums, and blackberries. The tradition of smoking meats, especially fish like herring and kippers, was also prevalent, creating smoky flavors that complemented hearty British breakfasts.
These implementation examples highlight how food preservation techniques were utilized in different European countries, adapting to regional culinary traditions and ingredients. The preservation methods employed in these countries not only extended the shelf life of food but also allowed for the celebration of diverse flavors and ensured a steady food supply throughout the year. Today, while modern refrigeration has become commonplace, these traditional preservation techniques continue to be appreciated for their historical significance and the unique flavors they impart to culinary creations.
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AMERICAN
The modern United States is the most powerful country in human history. With over 800 military bases and 37% of global military spending, the United States has become the leader of a vast interconnected global system that has helped usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity and low levels of conflict. To understand America’s position in the world, and why it’s so pivotal for world politics as we know it, you have to go back to the country’s founding — back to when America wasn’t a global power in any sense of the word. During the first 70 years of its existence, the United States expanded in both territory and influence in North America eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean in a wave of expansionism that resulted in the wholesale slaughter of the indigenous people who populated the continent. But early Americans were deeply divided as to whether the country should expand beyond the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This became a major debate after the civil war, when some leaders, like post-war Secretary of State Seward, argued that America should push to become a global power. Seward succeeded in pushing a plan to purchase Alaska from Russia, but his attempts to buy Greenland and Iceland, as well as annex territory in the Caribbean, were all blocked by Congress. That’s because some Americans, including many on Capitol Hill, had a strong anti-imperialist bent. These people worried about America getting more involved in global politics, as well as having to integrate populations from “inferior” races. And this opposition applied major checks on the imperialist urge to expand. But something was happening in the late 1800s that would change the debate about American expansionism. The industrial revolution produced explosive economic growth, and the bigger US economy required a more centralized state and bureaucracy to manage the growing economy. Power became concentrated in the federal government, making it easier for expansionist presidents, like William to unilaterally push United States influence abroad. The key turning point came in 1898, when President McKinley dragged the country into war with Spain over the island of Cuba despite intense opposition. The rising US easily defeated the moribund Spanish empire, acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines in the process (1898). Over the next two years, the US would annex the Kingdom of Hawaii (1898), Wake Island (1899), and American Samoa (1900). A few years later the US took control of the Panama Canal Zone (1903) and sent troops to occupy the Dominican Republic (1916), it also purchased the American Virgin Islands (1917). This period of rapid acquisition of far flung territories put the US on the map as a truly global power. During this time, America also began using its influence to protect its growing commercial and military interests abroad, installing pro-American regimes in places like Nicaragua and playing a major role in international diplomacy regarding the Western presence in China. World War I showed how just how much America’s influence had grown. Not only was American intervention a decisive factor in the war's end But President Wilson attended the Paris Peace Conference which ended the war and attempted to set the terms of the peace. He spearheaded America’s most ambitious foreign policy initiative yet, an international organization, called the League of Nations, designed to promote peace and cooperation globally. The League, a wholesale effort to remake global politics, showed just how ambitious American foreign policy had become. Yet isolationism was still a major force in the United States. Yet isolationism was still a major force in the United States. Congress blocked the United States from joining the League of Nations, dooming Wilson’s project. During the Great Depression and the rise of Hitler, the US was was much more focused on its own region than on European affairs Ultimately, though, America’s ever-growing entanglements abroad made it impossible for it to stay out of global affairs entirely. In East Asia, the growing Japanese empire posed a the direct threat to American possessions and troops bringing the United States and Japan into conflict. This culminated in the Pearl Harbor attack bringing the United States into World War II. World War Two would transform America’s global presence forever. The United States was the only major power to avoid economic ruin during the war, and it was the sole country equipped with atomic weapons. As such, it was in unique position to set the terms of the peace — and, with the aim of preventing another war in mind, it took advantage. The most famous example of this is the creation of the United Nations. The UN charter set up a system of international law prohibiting wars of conquest, like the ones waged by the Nazis and the Japanese. It also served as a forum in which the international community could weigh in on disputes, and help resolve them. This way, the Americans hoped, great powers could resolve their differences through compromise and law rather than war. But while the UN is the most famous of the post-war institutions, it isn’t the only one. 730 delegates from all 44 Allied nations came together in a small vacation haven in New Hampshire. Their goal? To establish a global financial system that would prevent another Great Depression and World War. The resulting agreement, called the Bretton Woods Agreement ultimately became backbone of the global financial system. Resulting in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. By creating these institutions the United States committed itself to being deeply involved in the world’s problems. The issue, though, is that the world’s second-largest power — The Soviet Union — saw things differently. World War II had made allies out of the democratic West and communist East in the fight against Hitler, but that couldn’t last. The United States saw Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe and elsewhere as a direct threat to its vision of a free-trading world. "To a substantial degree, in one form or another" Socialism has spread the shadow of human regimentation Over most of the nations of the earth And... the shadow is encroaching on our own liberty. Fearful of Soviet intentions towards Western Europe, the US and other European nations created the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance meant to stop Russia from invading other countries in Europe. Globally, the US committed to a strategy called “containment” — so called because it was aimed at containing the spread of Communism everywhere on the globe. This new global struggle meant that the US had to exert influence everywhere, all the time. Instead of disbanding the massive military machine created for World War II, its wheels mostly kept turning. This had two main results: first, the US was pulled into unlikely alliances with countries like Saudi Arabia, Israel, and South Korea, seeing each of them as bulwarks against communist influence in their region. Secondly, the US began intervening, often secretly, in dozens of countries to contain Soviet influence. Sometimes this meant propping up sympathetic dictators like in Iran, other times supplying rebels with arms and money like in Afghanistan in 1979 and Nicaragua in 1985. Over the course of the Cold War, the US intervened in hundreds of disputes around the globe, ending up with a complicated set of alliances, tensions, and relationships in basically every corner of the earth. After the Berlin wall fell, the US could have withdrawn from this system, severing ties with its allies and drawing down the size of its military. And while the US did military spending, much of the military infrastructure and alliances from the Cold War war remained. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton decided that it was in both America and the world’s interests for the United States, now the sole superpower on earth, to continue actively managing global affairs. " We should be and we must be Peacemakers" NATO, created solely as a tool for countering the Soviets, stayed together and even expanded, a way of keeping European nations united in the absence of the Soviet threat. Washington’s support for countries like Israel and Japan stayed intact, ostensibly as a means of preventing war in those regions. The global system of alliances and institutions created to keep the peace during the Cold War became permanent — as did the American military and political commitments needed to keep them running . This system remains in operation today, and no leading American politician since the Cold War has seriously called for dismantling them — except, perhaps for Donald Trump. Trump has said contradictory things about these commitments. But he’s consistently argued that American allies are not paying America enough for its protection, and questioned the value of free trade. That calls NATO and even the World Trade Organization into question. At some point, we have to say, you know what, we're better off if Japan protects itself against this maniac in North Korea. We're better off if South Korea is going to start to protect itself -- and Saudi Arabia?-- Saudi Arabia? Absolutely. This is a sharp divergence from the consensus that has dominated US foreign policy since 1945, and something closer to the isolationism that came before it. So will President Trump act on some of candidate Trump's ideas, and reverse decades worth of institution building and alliances? We'll find out, soon enough.
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