Food Stories

Discover the history, culture and memories behind the food we eat.

Eggs Benedict served on toasted bread with hollandaise sauce and fresh chivesCanva Pro
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How Eggs Became a Breakfast Food

Why Do We Eat Eggs for Breakfast? The History Behind the Habit EGGS and breakfast seem to belong together. Fried, poached, boiled or scrambled, eggs appear on breakfast tables around the world. Add toast and coffee and the combination feels…
Butter chicken curry with naan bread and spices on a dark tableCanva Pro
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A Short History of Tomatoes in Indian Curries

The Surprising History of Tomatoes in Indian Curries (and Butter Chicken) THE OTHER day, while stirring a slow cooker full of butter chicken — the sauce thickening into that rich orange-red colour, the smell of garlic, ginger and garam masala…
MacadamiaCreative Commons
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Queensland Macadamia Nut: History, Names & Origins

Is it the Queensland Nut, Macadamia Nut or Bauple Nut? WHEN I was a boy, we'd occasionally get a treat that we knew as a Queensland nut. I was amazed to learn a few years later that they came from Hawaii. That's only part of the story, though…
chocolate
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Chocolate History Explained: Is It Really Fruit?

Is Chocolate Really a Fruit? A Short History from Cocoa Tree to Chocolate Bar FOR ANYONE curious about chocolate history, there’s a comforting idea worth entertaining: the love of your life may be a fruit. That’s the light-hearted theory…
pineapples as prestige - fashion items and a pineapple wearing sunglasses.
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Pineapples as Prestige: Why the Motif Still Endures

From Table Centrepiece to Design Motif: Pineapples as Prestige A tropical fruit, a rented centrepiece, and a quiet marker of wealth — the story behind the pineapple is stranger, and more revealing, than it first appears. HAVE you ever…
mead - glass of yellow meadShutterstock
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Mead: A Universal Elixir with Ancient Roots

Why Mead Deserves a Spot in Your Beverage Line-Up MEAD has been charming taste buds across Australia and the world for centuries. This ancient beverage, made by fermenting honey with water, boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years.…
Finger Limes - three cut in half
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Finger Limes: Health Benefits, Recipes, and More

Why Finger Limes Are a Must-Have Citrus Fruit IF YOU'VE never heard of Australian native finger limes, you’re in for a treat. Known for their unique appearance and burst of flavour, finger limes have captured the attention of food enthusiasts…
food history - recipe book surrounded with food

Food Stories and the People Behind Them

Food Stories connects what we eat with culture, migration and memory. For a deeper Australian
perspective, explore Food Stories from the National Museum of Australia.