Celebrate World Heritage Day with Heritage Grains and Family Recipes

Every 18th April, World Heritage Day invites us to reflect on the cultural treasures that shape who we are—from ancient buildings and historical landmarks to culinary traditions passed down through generations. 

But one of the most personal ways to honour our heritage is through food—especially the kind made with care, memory, and stories.

This year, why not celebrate World Heritage Day by reviving old recipes from your family archive and experimenting with heritage grains that connect us to our ancestors' ways of eating? 

Whether it’s a rustic loaf, a time-honoured pudding, or a dish your grandmother made every Sunday, cooking with intention is a beautiful way to keep tradition alive.

What Are Heritage Grains?

Heritage grains are traditional varieties of cereals that were grown before industrial agriculture favoured high-yield, uniform crops. Think spelt, emmer, einkorn, khorasan (Kamut), and rye. These grains are often more nutritious, flavourful, and environmentally resilient than their modern counterparts.

Using them not only celebrates our food history but supports biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Many small-scale UK farms and millers now specialise in heritage grains, so sourcing them locally is easier than ever.

Ideas to Get You Started

1. Dig Out a Family Recipe

Start with a handwritten recipe card, a well-worn cookbook, or even a story from an elder. Maybe it's your great-aunt's oat biscuits, a barley-stuffed roast, or a porridge that got you through winters as a child. You could even adapt a classic family recipe by substituting in heritage grains—like making pancakes with spelt flour or a pie crust with rye.

2. Bake with History

Bread is a wonderful way to explore heritage grains. Try a sourdough made with einkorn, a soda bread using wholemeal spelt, or a rye loaf that harks back to northern European roots. The flavours are richer and often nuttier than conventional wheat—and the satisfaction of baking something with centuries of history is hard to beat.

3. Cook a Heritage Feast

Make an event of it. Invite friends or family over for a meal where each dish has a story. Label them with the region or person they’re connected to, and serve with a side of storytelling. You might even discover someone else’s great-grandfather made the same dumplings yours did.

4. Document the Memories

Take time to write down those oral recipes or digitise that fading notebook. Share the story behind a dish on social media, or create a scrapbook to pass on to the next generation. These small actions help preserve not just the recipe but the people and places tied to it.

5. Visit a Local Heritage Site and Pack a Traditional Picnic

Pair your food celebration with a visit to a historic UK site—perhaps a castle, an abbey, or a local museum. Pack a picnic filled with heritage-inspired treats and eat surrounded by the echoes of the past.

Where to Find Heritage Grains in the UK

Gilchesters Organics (Northumberland) – specialises in stoneground flour made from heritage wheat and rye

Hodmedod's – offers British-grown spelt, emmer, and quinoa

Shipton Mill – known for diverse and sustainably grown flours

Local farm shops, health food stores, and farmers’ markets often carry small-batch options too.

Food is one of the most intimate expressions of culture and heritage. On World Heritage Day, honour your history not only by remembering it, but by tasting it, sharing it, and passing it on. Whether you’re kneading dough with ancient grains or simmering a stew that’s fed generations, you’re keeping tradition alive—and creating new memories in the process.

Exploring Traditional Native American Cuisine: A Rich Culinary Heritage

Traditional Native American cuisine is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the deep connection between Indigenous communities and the land. 

Rooted in sustainability, seasonality, and cultural practices, this cuisine showcases the ingenuity of Native peoples in utilising local ingredients to create nourishing and flavourful dishes.

The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash

One of the most fundamental aspects of Native American cuisine is the agricultural trio known as the "Three Sisters": corn, beans, and squash. These three crops were cultivated together in a symbiotic relationship, with each plant supporting the growth of the others. 

Corn provided a natural trellis for beans, beans enriched the soil with nitrogen, and squash spread across the ground, preventing weed growth and retaining moisture.

Corn, in particular, has been a staple ingredient for centuries, appearing in dishes like cornbread, hominy, and tamales. Native American cultures also developed methods for processing corn, such as nixtamalization, which enhances its nutritional value.

Wild Game and Fish

Before the arrival of European settlers, Indigenous communities relied on hunting and fishing to obtain protein. Various tribes developed unique hunting techniques, from the use of bows and arrows to sophisticated trapping systems. Common game included bison, deer, rabbit, and wild turkey. The Plains tribes, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne, depended heavily on bison, using every part of the animal for food, clothing, and tools.

Coastal and river-dwelling tribes had diets rich in fish and seafood, including salmon, trout, clams, and oysters. Smoking and drying were common preservation techniques, allowing communities to store food for the winter months.

Foraged and Cultivated Plants

Native Americans had extensive knowledge of wild plants and their culinary and medicinal uses. Berries, nuts, and roots were important dietary components. Blueberries, blackberries, and chokecherries were often dried for later use or incorporated into dishes such as pemmican—a high-energy food made from dried meat, fat, and berries.

Maple syrup and honey were used as natural sweeteners, while a variety of herbs, such as sage, cedar, and juniper, provided flavour and health benefits. Indigenous communities also cultivated sunflowers for their seeds and oil, adding another valuable source of nutrition to their diet.

Traditional Cooking Methods

Cooking techniques varied across regions, reflecting the availability of resources. Pit roasting, where food was slow-cooked in earth ovens, was a widespread method. Stews and soups were common, often prepared in clay pots over open fires. The Pueblo peoples of the Southwest mastered adobe oven baking, leading to the creation of bread varieties like Pueblo oven bread.

Smoking and drying were crucial preservation methods, ensuring a stable food supply throughout the year. These techniques were particularly important for communities that experienced long, harsh winters or periods of food scarcity.

Revitalisation of Native American Cuisine

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to revive and celebrate traditional Native American cuisine. Indigenous chefs and food advocates are working to reintroduce ancestral foods to modern audiences while promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Restaurants, food festivals, and educational initiatives are playing a vital role in reconnecting Native communities with their culinary roots.

Conclusion

Traditional Native American cuisine is more than just food—it is a reflection of cultural identity, resilience, and the deep relationship between people and the land. By exploring and appreciating these rich culinary traditions, we gain a greater understanding of the ingenuity and sustainability practices that have shaped Indigenous foodways for generations.

Whether it’s a bowl of hearty bison stew, a slice of cornbread, or a taste of freshly harvested wild berries, Native American cuisine offers a delicious journey into the past and a hopeful vision for the future of Indigenous food traditions.

Embracing the Past: Exploring and Using Historical Cooking Techniques

In a world where modern conveniences dominate our kitchens, there's a unique charm in exploring and using historical cooking techniques. 

Delving into the culinary practices of the past not only connects us to our heritage but also offers a rich tapestry of flavours and textures that are often overlooked in contemporary cooking. 

Here, we journey through time to discover the art and craft of historical cooking, focusing on traditional British methods and measurements.

The Allure of Historical Cooking

Cooking methods and recipes from the past offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. They reveal how people made the most of available resources, preserved food, and celebrated with feasts. Historical cooking techniques emphasise patience, skill, and an intimate knowledge of ingredients—qualities that can transform a meal into an experience.

Traditional British Cooking Techniques

Open Hearth Cooking

One of the most iconic images of historical British cooking is the open hearth. Before the advent of the modern stove, the hearth was the heart of the home, providing warmth and a place to cook. Cooking over an open fire requires skill and attention to maintain the right temperature and avoid burning food.

Roasting: This method involves cooking meat on a spit over an open flame. The meat is turned regularly to ensure even cooking. A drip pan placed beneath the spit catches the drippings, which can be used to baste the meat or make gravy.

Baking: In the absence of modern ovens, baking was done in a brick or stone hearth. Ashes were swept out, and dough was placed directly on the hot surface. This method is excellent for baking bread, pies, and tarts.

Boiling and Stewing

These techniques were particularly popular for their simplicity and effectiveness in tenderising tough cuts of meat. Large pots were placed over the fire, and ingredients were simmered for hours.

Pottages: These were thick, hearty stews made from meat, vegetables, and grains. Pottages were a staple in medieval Britain, offering a nutritious and filling meal.

Boiled Puddings: Before the invention of modern ovens, puddings were often boiled in cloth bags. Suet puddings, both sweet and savoury, were common, utilising ingredients like suet, flour, and dried fruits.

Preservation Techniques

Historical cooking also involved various preservation methods to ensure food availability throughout the year. These techniques are making a comeback as people seek to reduce food waste and embrace sustainable practices.

Salting and Smoking: Meat and fish were often preserved by salting or smoking. This process not only extended the shelf life but also added unique flavours.

Pickling and Fermenting: Vegetables and fruits were pickled or fermented to preserve them. These methods produced a variety of tangy and flavourful accompaniments that added depth to meals.

Measurements in Historical Cooking

Understanding the measurements used in historical recipes is crucial for authenticity. British recipes often use measurements like pounds, ounces, and pints, which are still in use today. However, historical recipes might also include less familiar terms:

Gills: A gill is a measure of liquid volume equal to a quarter of a pint (approximately 142 millilitres).

Drams: Used for both liquid and dry ingredients, a dram is equivalent to 1/8 of an ounce (approximately 3.55 grams).

Pecks and Bushels: These were used for dry goods like grains and vegetables. A peck is roughly 9 litres, while a bushel is about 36 litres.

Recreating Historical Recipes

When attempting to recreate historical recipes, it’s important to adapt the techniques and measurements to modern kitchens while staying true to the original spirit. Here are a few tips:

Start Simple: Begin with basic recipes such as stews or simple baked goods. This will help you get a feel for historical techniques without overwhelming yourself.

Use Authentic Ingredients: Wherever possible, source ingredients that would have been available in the historical period you are exploring. This can enhance the authenticity of your dishes.

Patience and Practice: Historical cooking often requires more time and effort than modern methods. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey of learning and refining your skills.

Conclusion

Exploring and using historical cooking techniques can be a rewarding endeavour. It connects us with the past, enriches our culinary repertoire, and allows us to appreciate the ingenuity of our ancestors. By embracing these methods, we not only preserve culinary traditions but also discover new (old) ways to create delicious and memorable meals. So, light up the hearth, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure through time.

The Fascinating History of Chocolate: From Ancient Times to Modern Delights

Chocolate, the word itself evokes images of indulgence, pleasure, and temptation. But beyond its rich flavour and velvety texture lies a history as rich and varied as the treat itself. From its humble beginnings in ancient Mesoamerica to its global dominance as a beloved confection, the story of chocolate is one of intrigue, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Ancient Beginnings:

The history of chocolate begins over 3,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The ancient Mesoamericans, including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations, were among the first to cultivate the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) and harness its beans for culinary and ceremonial purposes.

For these ancient civilisations, chocolate held immense cultural and spiritual significance. Cacao beans were used as currency, consumed in sacred rituals, and brewed into a bitter beverage known as "xocolātl" by the Aztecs, meaning "bitter water." This beverage, often flavoured with spices like chili and vanilla, was reserved for royalty, warriors, and religious ceremonies.

European Exploration and Innovation:

Chocolate remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world until the arrival of Spanish explorers in the New World during the 16th century. It was the Spanish conquistadors who first encountered the indigenous peoples' chocolate preparations and brought cacao beans back to Europe.

Initially, chocolate was met with skepticism in Europe, but it quickly gained popularity among the elite classes. Spanish monks began sweetening the bitter beverage with sugar, and soon chocolate houses began to spring up across Europe, offering chocolate drinks alongside coffee and tea.

In the 19th century, technological advancements revolutionised the entire chocolate industry. The invention of the cocoa press and other innovative concepts by Dutch chemist and chocolate maker Coenraad van Houten in 1828 allowed for the extraction of cocoa butter from cacao beans, resulting in the creation of cocoa powder. This innovation paved the way for the production of solid chocolate bars, making chocolate more accessible to the general populace.

Modernisation and Globalisation:

As chocolate production became more industrialised, its popularity soared, and new varieties and flavours emerged. Companies like Cadbury, Nestlé, and Hershey played significant roles in shaping the modern chocolate industry, introducing milk chocolate, chocolate sweets and candies, and innovative packaging techniques.

Today, chocolate is enjoyed worldwide in countless forms, from artisanal truffles to mass-produced chocolate bars. It has become synonymous with celebrations, romance, and comfort, transcending cultural boundaries and socioeconomic divides alike.

However, the chocolate industry is not without its controversies. Issues such as child labour, deforestation, and sustainability continue to plague the cocoa supply chain, prompting calls for greater transparency and ethical sourcing practices.

Looking Ahead:

As we continue to savour and enjoy the delights of chocolate, it's vital to reflect on its complex history and the challenges facing the industry today. By supporting ethical and sustainable chocolate producers, consumers can help ensure that the tradition of chocolate-making endures for generations to come.

In conclusion, the history of chocolate is a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and cultural exchange. From its ancient origins in the rainforests of Mesoamerica to its modern incarnation as a global indulgence, chocolate remains one of the world's most beloved treats, captivating hearts and taste buds alike.

So, the next time you enjoy a piece of chocolate or a chocolate drink, take a moment to savour not just its delicious flavour but also the centuries of history and tradition that have gone into its creation. After all, chocolate isn't just a sweet indulgence, it's a window into our shared past and a celebration of the rich tapestry of human experience.

Culinary Traditions: Preserving Family Recipes and Passing Down the Flavours of Generations

In a world characterised by constant change and innovation, there is a timeless and cherished aspect of our lives that remains rooted in tradition - culinary traditions. 

These are the threads that weave the fabric of our cultural identity, connecting generations through the aromas, tastes, and shared experiences of family recipes.

Here we will  explore the significance of preserving family recipes and the art of passing down the flavors that have defined our heritage.

The Importance of Family Recipes:

Family recipes are more than just a collection of ingredients and cooking instructions; they are a repository of memories, stories, and the essence of familial love. These recipes often represent a unique blend of cultural influences, regional flavours, and personal touches that make them irreplaceable. Preserving these culinary treasures ensures that the legacy of our ancestors and the flavors of our childhood continue to thrive in the kitchens of today and tomorrow.

Connection to Cultural Heritage:

Culinary traditions are a gateway to understanding and celebrating our cultural heritage. Each dish carries the history of a community, the evolution of its people, and the fusion of diverse culinary influences. Whether it's the hearty stews of Eastern Europe, the aromatic spices of South Asia, or the soul-warming comfort food of the American South, family recipes serve as a link to the past, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging.

The Role of Family Gatherings:

One of the most potent catalysts for the preservation of family recipes is the tradition of gathering around the table. From Christmas family feasts to casual Sunday dinners, these occasions provide the perfect backdrop for the transmission of culinary knowledge. 

Grandparents, parents, and children come together, not only to share a meal but to pass down the secrets of their signature dishes, ensuring that the recipes endure for future generations.

The Art of Handing Down Recipes:

Preserving family recipes involves more than just writing down a list of ingredients and instructions. It's an art that requires hands-on experience, storytelling, and a deep connection to the culinary heritage. Often, these recipes are shared in the form of an oral tradition, with the older generation guiding the younger one through the cooking process, emphasising the nuances that can't be captured on paper.

Adapting to Modern Lifestyles:

While the essence of family recipes remains unchanged, the way they are passed down and incorporated into our lives has evolved. In the fast-paced world of today, families may need to adapt traditional recipes to fit modern lifestyles, dietary preferences, or health considerations. The key lies in striking a balance between preserving the authenticity of the dish and making it accessible to the current generation.

You can preserve them online as family blogs, as a YouTube channel, or have them available as e-books or as printed books. Incidentally TikTok and YouTube baking expert B. Dylan Hollis utilises old cookbooks to bring to life recipes of previous generations and is well worth watching. I will include one of his videos for you to check out and learn more about how one man is saving the recipes of yesterday.

Culinary traditions are a living testament to the shared history and values that bind families together. Preserving family recipes and passing down the flavors of generations is not just about the food on the table; it's about preserving a connection to our roots, creating lasting memories, and honoring the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. 

As we savour the familiar tastes of our family recipes, we celebrate not only the art of cooking but also the timeless bond that transcends time and generations.

Stanislav Kondrashov Publishes the History of Chocolate

Chocolate enthusiasts and history aficionados alike are in for a real treat with the publication of the article "The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov. The article takes readers on an enticing and evocative journey through the captivating evolution of one of the world's most beloved treats.

In "The Surprising History of Chocolate," Stanislav Kondrashov unveils chocolate's rich and varied history, from its beginnings in Mesoamerica to its global status as a symbol of indulgence. 

The article guides readers through each pivotal historical era, shedding light on the remarkable transformations chocolate has undergone.

Kondrashov expertly navigates the narrative, allowing readers to savour the fascinating details of chocolate's origins as a form of currency among the Aztecs. 

Who would have thought that cocoa beans were once used to buy turkeys? The article then takes readers on a voyage through ancient Mayan rituals, where chocolate was revered as a bitter, frothy beverage enjoyed by the very elite of Mayan society.

As the article continues, the story of how chocolate underwent a metamorphosis upon its arrival in Europe unravels. 

The infusion of sugar into the bitter concoction marked a significant turning point, leading to the creation of the sweet treat that we adore today. 

The Spaniards' secrecy surrounding chocolate and its eventual popularity among the European elite added layers of intrigue to its history.

The Industrial Revolution's impact on chocolate production is another captivating chapter in the article. Stanislav highlights how innovations like the conching machine democratised access to smooth, creamy chocolate, paving the way for household names like Milton Hershey, Cadbury, and Nestlé to shape the modern chocolate industry.

The article culminates in a celebration of chocolate's global significance. He showcases the myriad ways in which cultures worldwide have embraced and transformed chocolate into a universal symbol of love and comfort. 

From luxurious Belgian truffles to spicy Mexican hot chocolate and creamy Swiss milk chocolate bars, the diversity of chocolate's forms mirrors the diversity of human indulgence.

"Chocolate's journey through time and across continents is a testament to its enduring allure," says Kondrashov. "Every bite encapsulates centuries of history, innovation, and passion, making it a treat that truly transcends borders."

"The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov is a mouth-watering exploration of a timeless delight. Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur or simply curious about the origins of your favourite treat, this article promises to enchant and educate readers of all backgrounds.

https://stanislavkondrashov.com

(Image courtesy of Stanislav Kondrashov.)

Making the 2000 Year Old "Pizza" from Pompeii

 

I subscribe to the YouTube channel of Max Miller and I was so impressed by his video of making a pizza style meal form 2,000 years ago that I decided to share it with you.

You can follow Max here:- https://www.youtube.com/@TastingHistory.