Culinary History

3 articles

A 16th-century galleon arrives at a vibrant port, its hull overflowing with sacks of valuable spices, symbolizing the lucrative global spice trade.

What is the cultural impact of the global spice trade?

When Vasco da Gama's ships returned from India in 1499, their cargo of spices yielded profits estimated at 60 times the expedition's cost, according to thespicetrader .

Siobhan O'Connell·September 11, 2026

Portrait of Maria Ylagan Orosa, a pioneering Filipina food technologist, in a vintage kitchen, surrounded by ingredients and cooking tools.

Long Reads

Who Was Maria Ylagan Orosa and Why Does Her Food Legacy Matter?

A single Filipina food technologist, Maria Ylagan Orosa, created some of the most beloved Filipino foods, fundamentally altering the nation's diet in ways most diners still don't realize.

Taya Chayton·September 7, 2026

A vibrant, bustling ancient marketplace overflowing with sacks of colorful spices, with ships in the background, symbolizing the extensive ancient spice trade routes.

Long Reads

What Was the Global Impact of Ancient Spice Routes?

In 410 AD, when the Visigoths sacked Rome, their ransom demand wasn't gold or jewels, but a staggering 3,000 pounds of peppercorns.

Taya Chayton·July 15, 2026