Place Recipes & Roots Place Recipes & Roots

The History of Bibimbap

Bibimbap (비빔밥), translating to “mixed rice,” is one of Korea’s most popular and celebrated dishes. It’s typically made by layering rice with colorful vegetables, seasoned meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean red chili paste), all mixed before eating.

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Essays Amy George Essays Amy George

Made in Korea and the USA By Kimchi and Fried Chicken

Like passport stamps, meals mark our journeys.

They keep a record of people, places, and events that all contribute to making us who we are. Food feeds our souls and helps the memories of those who are no longer with us to live on through snapshots of dishes we recall when the right breeze catches a particular fragrance and blows it across our memory.

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The History of Food in Seoul, Korea

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, stands as a dynamic blend of the old and the new. Known for its towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, the city also holds a deep connection to its cultural past, especially through its food.

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The Evolution of Food in Bukchon Hanok Village

Nestled between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village renowned for its well-preserved hanok houses.

The village offers a glimpse into Seoul’s past, with narrow streets lined by wooden houses, tiled roofs, and peaceful courtyards.

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Recipes & Roots Recipes & Roots

Àmàlà: A Yoruba Staple with Community at Its Core

Àmàlà is one of the cornerstones of Yoruba cuisine in Southwestern Nigeria — a staple food that carries both nourishment and memory. Classified as a “swallow”—a category of soft, dough-like starches eaten by hand with soups and stews—àmàlà is less a single dish than a shared experience. Diners pinch off portions, roll them gently between fingers, and dip them into richly seasoned broths, each bite a blend of starch and flavour that sustains both body and community.

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Recipes & Roots Recipes & Roots

Exploring Traditional Nigerian Soups

Nigerian soups are more than just meals; they’re a celebration of flavor, culture, and family traditions that bring people together. These soups, enjoyed across Nigeria’s diverse regions, are each crafted with unique ingredients and techniques that reflect the heritage of the people who prepare them.

From the rich, nutty Egusi soup to the aromatic Afia Efere, each dish tells a story and offers a taste of Nigeria’s vibrant culinary landscape.

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The Medicinal Powers of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been a treasured spice for centuries, not just for its rich aroma and flavor but for its purported medicinal properties. From ancient remedies to modern scientific studies, cinnamon’s health benefits have fascinated cultures across the world.

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Why Cinnamon Smells So Good

The warm, sweet scent of cinnamon is unmistakable. Whether it's wafting from a kitchen during the holidays or infusing the air in cozy cafés, the aroma brings comfort and nostalgia to many.

But have you ever wondered why cinnamon smells so good? It’s chemistry baby.

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Recipes & Roots Recipes & Roots

The History of Canadian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Canada, as it is celebrated today, has evolved over centuries, weaving together a mix of Indigenous traditions, European influences, and national identity. While modern Thanksgiving is often associated with harvest meals, family gatherings, and expressions of gratitude, its roots are far more complex and culturally diverse.

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René Redzepi and the Rise of Foraging in Modern Cuisine

In the world of fine dining, few names resonate as strongly as René Redzepi.

As the co-founder and head chef of Noma a fine dining restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark, Redzepi has redefined the culinary landscape by championing foraged ingredients and local sourcing.

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The Rise of Foraging in Modern Cuisine

In today’s culinary landscape, foraging has evolved from a necessity for survival to an exciting trend embraced by some of the world’s most innovative chefs.

Once considered the realm of nature enthusiasts or rural communities, foraging now plays a starring role on the menus of high-end restaurants.

Diners are discovering the allure of wild ingredients like ramps, chanterelles, and sea buckthorn, which offer flavours as unique as the landscapes they come from.

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The Root Cellar Revival

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, ancient cold storage techniques are gaining renewed attention.

As individuals and families seek to reduce their reliance on electricity and embrace off-grid lifestyles, the revival of root cellars and similar methods is reshaping how we think about food preservation.

This article explores the history of root cellars, their cultural significance, and how they are being reimagined for contemporary sustainable living.

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Drying and Sun-Curing

Imagine a time before refrigeration when communities relied heavily on the sun to preserve their food. Picture ancient villagers gathering fruits and vegetables, spreading them out on sun-drenched stones and wooden slats, allowing the elements to transform their harvest into something that could last for months.

This fascinating practice of drying and sun-curing has been pivotal in human survival, allowing people to stockpile provisions and celebrate seasonal abundance.

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Salt of the Earth

Salt has played a crucial role in shaping human civilization, acting as a key preservative that has allowed societies to thrive through the ages.

From the Roman garum to Indigenous fish preservation techniques, understanding and reviving ancient food preservation methods can help us reduce food waste while reconnecting with our cultural heritage. 

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Place Recipes & Roots Place Recipes & Roots

From Clay Pots to Canning Jars

Fermentation is one of humanity’s oldest preservation methods, a technique that not only extends the shelf life of food but also enhances its flavor and nutritional value.

From clay pots in ancient civilizations to the glass jars found in modern kitchens, fermentation has played a vital role in food culture across the globe. Explore the fascinating history of fermentation, highlighting its significance in various cultures, including the beloved kimchi of Korea and the savory miso of Japan.

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Curing and Smoking

Preserving food has been a central part of human survival for millennia.

Long before modern refrigeration, Indigenous cultures worldwide developed methods to ensure they could store food for long periods.

Two of the most effective techniques— curing and smoking — were used to protect meat, fish, and even vegetables from spoilage. Both methods remain relevant today and are seeing a resurgence among food enthusiasts who appreciate their practicality, sustainability, and the deep flavours they create.

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The Early Beginnings of Herb Foraging

The practice of herb foraging is as old as humanity itself, with roots stretching back to our earliest ancestors. In the Paleolithic era—long before the rise of organized agriculture—hunter-gatherer societies relied on the natural world for food, medicine, and spiritual sustenance. Herbs, with their diverse properties and uses, were central to this relationship, marking the beginning of a long-standing connection between humans and the plant world.

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The Ancient Art of Herb Foraging

Foraging for herbs is a practice as old as humanity itself. Long before modern agriculture and the conveniences of supermarkets, people relied on their knowledge of the natural world to gather essential plants for food, medicine, and spiritual use.

Across cultures and centuries, the art of herb foraging has played a crucial role in survival and health, weaving itself into the fabric of ancient civilizations and Indigenous traditions.

Journey through the origins of herb foraging, examining how it has evolved in different regions of the world.

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