Stories Behind the Flavours
Spice Tales
The spice trade began over 4,000 years ago in ancient Asia and the Middle East, making spices like black pepper and cinnamon highly prized. By the Middle Ages, the costly overland routes spurred European explorers to seek direct sea paths to Asia’s spice-rich regions. Their discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries led to European colonization and intense competition for control. By the 17th century, the Dutch and British East India Companies dominated, transforming global cuisines and geopolitics.
Potatoes full of suspicion
The potato’s journey in Europe started with suspicion. Brought from South America in the 1500s, they were initially for livestock, not the elite. Some feared them, linking to diseases like leprosy. Their nightshade family ties, which includes toxic plants, added to concerns. But, hunger and famines shifted views, recognizing the potato’s resilience and nutrition. Despite early fears, it’s now a global staple.
More than Souvlaki
The Greeks have enriched Australia’s culinary tapestry since their migration waves in the 20th century. They brought with them iconic dishes such as souvlaki, skewered meat wrapped in pita, and the creamy eggplant dish, moussaka. Delicious pastries like spanakopita, flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta, and baklava, layered with nuts and sweet syrup, also made their mark. Not only did they introduce flavours, but they’ve also played a pivotal role in the rise of cafes and eateries, making Greek cuisine an integral part of Australia’s gastronomic landscape.