What the Food?
Welcome to What the Food?—the history and comedy podcast that dives into the weird, wild, and fascinating history of food, drinks, and dining cultures around the world. We’re Miles, Andy, and Dom—just three friends with a love for food and a knack for uncovering its untold stories. From surprising food origins to the moments that shaped how we eat, we uncover the strange, unexpected, and often hilarious history behind what ends up on our plates. Join us on our next culinary adventure through time!
What the Food?
Luxury from the Deep: How Caviar Became a Status Symbol
Season 2 finale is here and it's time to pop the lid on the world of Caviar! This luxurious delicacy has graced the tables of tsars, aristocrats, and celebrity chefs alike—but how did it go from a humble fish roe to a symbol of opulence and indulgence?
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of caviar, from its ancient Persian roots to its place at the pinnacle of haute cuisine. We’ll unravel the mysteries of how it's harvested, the varieties that reign supreme, and how it once transitioned from peasant fare to elite indulgence. Along the way, we’ll dip into the cultural significance of this tiny, briny bite and its surprising appearances in pop culture and history.
We’ll also highlight some modern twists, including the rise of sustainable farming and the chefs pushing the boundaries of what caviar can be in today’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a connoisseur of beluga or just curious about this iconic luxury food, this episode will leave you craving more. Prepare to savor the rich and intriguing story of caviar!
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Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!
Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)