Answer in Progress - why do some ingredients come with a recipe? #historyfacts
In the 1900s, the rise of processed foods was driven by industrialization and societal needs such as wars and the Great Depression. Companies realized that consumers were more likely to purchase processed foods if they knew how to use them. To address this, companies set up test kitchens and hired agencies to develop recipes that featured their products. This led to the creation of iconic recipes like Rice Krispies squares by Kellogg and pumpkin pie by Libby's, which became cultural staples. These recipes were so widespread that they often became family heirlooms, as seen in the example from the TV show 'Friends' where a family recipe was actually from a Nestle product box. Atlas Obscura highlighted this phenomenon by collecting 174 family recipes that originated from product packaging.
Key Points:
- Processed food companies used recipes to increase product sales.
- Test kitchens and agencies were employed to create appealing recipes.
- Iconic recipes like Rice Krispies squares and pumpkin pie were product-driven.
- These recipes became cultural staples and family heirlooms.
- Atlas Obscura found many family recipes originated from product boxes.
Details:
1. 🍬 The Origin of Recipe Marketing
- Recipe marketing is introduced as a strategy to engage customers and increase product use by including recipes on ingredient packaging.
- The concept is exemplified by common items such as brown sugar packaging featuring recipes, intended to boost sales and customer engagement.
- Historically, recipe marketing has been a tool for food companies to promote product usage, thus increasing sales and customer loyalty.
- The evolution of recipe marketing is noted, with modern adaptations including digital platforms and interactive content to maintain relevance and engagement.
2. 🏭 Industrialization and Processed Foods
- The 1900s industrialization and economic challenges like Wars and the Great Depression led to the rise of processed foods by necessitating cheaper and longer-lasting food options.
- Companies discovered that consumer familiarity and understanding of processed foods significantly increased the likelihood of purchase, leading to a strategic focus on education.
- Educating consumers on the use of processed foods was a key strategy for companies to boost sales, incorporating advertisements and cooking demonstrations.
- Specific examples of popular processed foods included canned goods and instant mixes, which reflected the era's emphasis on convenience and shelf stability.
3. 📜 Famous Recipes and Their Origins
- Kellogg invented Rice Krispies squares to promote Rice Krispies, leading to widespread popularity.
- Libby's pumpkin pie puree became synonymous with Thanksgiving, cementing pumpkin pie as a holiday staple.
- Lipton's creation of French onion dip originated from a strategic move to increase soup mix sales.
- The origin of Toll House cookies, created by Ruth Wakefield, popularized chocolate chip cookies across the U.S.
- Campbell's green bean casserole, invented by Dorcas Reilly, became a Thanksgiving classic due to its simplicity and use of common pantry ingredients.
4. 📚 The Impact of Historical Events on Cuisine
- History plays a crucial role in shaping modern cuisine, highlighting the importance of understanding historical influences to drive culinary innovation.
- For instance, the introduction of spices from the East to Europe during the Age of Exploration drastically changed European culinary practices, leading to new flavor profiles and dishes.
- The colonization of the Americas brought ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, and maize to Europe, which are now staples in many European diets.
- Analyzing how specific historical events, such as trade routes and colonization, have shaped recipes can lead to more authentic and meaningful culinary experiences.
- Exploring historical influences on cuisine can enhance the appreciation of cultural dishes and lead to the creation of more innovative, yet culturally respectful, culinary offerings.
5. 📦 Family Heirloom Recipes from Packaging
- Many families consider recipes sourced from packaged goods as heirloom recipes, a tradition seen in the iconic example of the Nestle Toll House cookie recipe.
- Atlas Obscura found that 174 individuals submitted recipes they believed to be family treasures, only to discover they originated from product packaging.
- These recipes often become intertwined with family traditions, illustrating how marketing strategies from companies like Nestle have successfully integrated these recipes into cultural practices.
- The phenomenon reflects how commercial recipes can gain sentimental value and be passed down through generations as if they were original family creations.