does Food still taste the same as back in 1900 - 1920? or 1930's?

[Seraph1227]

I find that organic produce has more flavor than the regular kind. I consider raw milk to be quite tasty. In fact, so many things taste differently to me now that I wonder if its just me.

 

[scotrace]

I think that Huertecilla is generously sharing the admirable lifestyle he has been able to carve out in Spain. It may not be available to all of us, but it's pretty cool to see such a thing in action.

 

[Tomasso]

Hear,hear!

 

[Stanley Doble]

Fresh organic produce is a luxury reserved for the rich....

On the weekend I started 32 tomato plants and 32 pepper plants in little paper pots. I spent nothing, since the seeds, pots, and potting soil were left over from previous years. But the total investment was probably under $10. This will provide me and 3 of my friends with all the plants we need to feed 4 families.

You can buy tomato and pepper plants at the hardware store but they cost $1.79 to $2.79 and who wants to spend that kind of money?

I mentioned that when I was a kid everyone had a garden in back of the house and this was common in the fifties and sixties.

One of our neighbors was "Red" Trotter. He owned a fuel oil business and a gas station. He was in his fifties, his children were grown and he had just himself and his wife to feed.

In addition to the 2 businesses he owned a 2 storey brick house on a double lot, and he drove a 1956 Chrysler Imperial, later replaced by a 1962 Cadillac. All paid for.

Every year he planted a big garden including a large section of potatoes.

I asked him why he bothered to plant a garden and he looked at me as if I was an idiot, and said "do you know how much groceries cost?"

At the time potatoes cost $1 for a 50 pound bag.

 

[Stanley Doble]

I understand that not everyone has the space to grow a garden. Sometimes the best you can do is go to the farmer's market and buy some good food. It may seem expensive but it is really not. You can bring home quite a lot of vegetables for $20 and they go a long way.

 

[tonyb]

If I were to hazard a guess, it would be that the typical home gardener spends more raising vegetables than an equal quantity of those vegetables would cost at the supermarket. I'm prepared to be wrong about that, but even if I am, I still suspect that most home gardeners these days get into the practice for reasons other than purely economic ones. The quality and flavor of the garden vegetables is superior, generally, and many folks find gardening recreational and relaxing and the garden itself a thing of beauty (who wouldn't want a little extra beauty around the house?). Those are all plenty good enough reasons for me.

What keeps many people who have the space and the resources for a nice home garden from ever putting one in is the time commitment. We work long hours. We commute long distances. We don't have families of eight to feed on one income (with a slew of kids to put to work weeding the pea patch). Et cetera.

 

[Stanley Doble]

I know one (rich) family that actually hires someone to tend their garden. When I heard this I was stunned, and couldn't figure out what the idea was.

My memories are of a simpler day when people grew their own produce in the back yard at minimal cost. I am sure that if you started your plants from seed and did everything the old fashioned way you could grow enough food for a family for a year for under $100.

The attitude that a garden is an expensive luxury is simply mind boggling to me. I imagine you guys looking at a picture of some dirt poor sharecropper from the 30s, hoeing his garden, and saying " I wish I was rich enough to live like that" ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

And yes I know that gardening is impractical for a lot of people these days and fresh produce is available year round at cheap prices. I live in the 21st century too. The old fashioned gardens I remember, mostly died out 40 years ago. Times change, I know that. I like remembering the old times, which is not a knock to anybody on this board I hope.

 

[tonyb]

Similarly, Doble, it has occurred to me that my great-grandparents would be floored by hearing that people in the early 21st century would pay good money and take time out of their lives and travel to a special place for the sole purpose of GETTING EXERCISE!

My mother grew up in a household on what was then the outskirts of Madison, Wisconsin. They kept a large garden and fished out of the creek, from which they also drew water for the garden, when it needed it. My grandfather shot rabbits and squirrels, and not for sport. But that was, what?, nearly 80 years ago now.

 

[Sloan1874]

I once tried to grow corn in a window box. Didn't work.

We've taken to planting a couple of handfuls of dried peas, the sort you throw into soup, in large clay pots of compost and sticking them on the window sill. After a few weeks, they sprout to seven or eight inches and are good to trim for salads - they've got an amazing 'green pea' taste. Usually get several 'harvests' out of them, before starting again. Cheap and very tasty.

 

[HudsonHawk]

I am sure that if you started your plants from seed and did everything the old fashioned way you could grow enough food for a family for a year for under $100.

If you had a) the land, and b) the time. Again, most people these days have neither. Those are the things that are a luxury to most urban dwellers. No one has suggested that vegetable seeds are expensive.

 

[Tomasso]

Fresh organic produce is a luxury reserved for the rich....

Seems to me to be well within the reach of middle class folks.

 

[sheeplady]

What is considered upper class in the city is often considered what poor folk do in the country. Growing up, having some potatoes in your yard was a marker that you had far less money than someone who had instant potatoes in their cupboard. To grow potatoes all you needed was a seedy potato and you'd have five dozen in a the fall. Being able to "buy" your food took so much more money than growing it yourself that store bought was a treat.

I grew up on a diet of green beans, corn, apples, and lamb because that is what we grew and survived. I didn't have a pork chop until I was 14 at a friend's house, because no one had pigs. We'd have beef occasionally because a farmer would lose a dairy cow and have too much for their own freezer, or someone would get some wild game, but things other than what we grew ourselves was a rare treat. I never ate a frozen dinner until college; and I've never eaten anything like pre-made stuffing in a box (that I know of). This is very different than in the city, where things like instant potatoes are cheaper than whole ones. Also, unless you're firmly middle class, your homegrown food is organic because you can't afford pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

I do think that a lot of things have changed food:
1. Food has been genetically bred to be shelf-stable longer, handle shipping without bruising, and be picked before ripeness. In addition, resistance to fungus, diseases, and
2. Animal breeds have been selected that produce less fat- for example- the cows that are bred and milked today are mostly Holsteins, which have less fat in their milk than Brown Swiss and other breeds which were more popular at the turn of the century. In addition, this has also happened in terms of animals farmed for meat.
3. Tastes have changed as far as what is wanted, which impacts the breeds and varieties selected. For example, apple breeds have been selected away from cider apples to eating apples.
4. We have less tolerance for blemishes and imperfections, all of which impacts taste.
5. Things are selected for and grown out of season and in zones that push viability, which again, effects taste.

There is no comparison between farm fresh milk out of the cow that morning and the homogenized pasteurized stuff sold in stores. That stands true for corn, beans, apples, lamb, beef, chicken, eggs, goat milk, cheese, peaches, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

 

[tonyb]

Food is certainly less costly (as a portion of disposable income) than it was a generation or two ago. In this culture, it seems the poorer a person is, the likelier he or she is to be overweight. Some say that's because the highly caloric foods are the inexpensive and readily available ones -- you know, the "value" or "dollar" menu at the fast food emporia, for instance, and canned chili and microwave burritos and all that other fill-you-up-cheap stuff at Kroger. Me, I don't know. Still, it says something that people we deem poor show no signs of ever having gone hungry.

 

[Stanley Doble]

I went through a period of eating a lot of cheap, stodgy food because I thought it was cheaper. Then one day I said "hang the expense" and bought a whole pile of fresh vegetables and fruit, and was surprised when I paid almost a third less at the checkout than I was used to. Fresh fruit and veg are cheap and filling not to mention healthy. I don't know why I didn't know that but it seems I am not alone.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

This is very interesting that so many people have a different "take" on food that is home grown compared to store purchased.

It may be that food has somewhat a different taste, but unless you really are old enough and can really think "back in the day", it may be hard to honestly compare that part of food products. There may be some link to many negative things about today's food as to how it is produced for the masses, as compared to what was once made. Some people have jams and jelly (homemade) that does not have all the chemicals to give it what is called a longer shelf life. The same for anyone that may grow a garden or have fruit plants and trees. The way all of that is discussed in our household is that it is a given we are (to a large degree) what we eat.

In today's world, it seems that many medical issues seem to surface with children having autism, (something that is at an alarming rate with young people today) per what it was a long time ago. The same with other issues such as Alzheimer/Dementia and other medical conditions that are on the rise. So food today with all the "preservatives" just may be part of these issues?

We grow tomato and hot peppers. The amount of space to do this is not all that much, a 4 foot square for tomato plants on one side of the back door, and a three foot wide spot by about 8 foot long. Then for the hot peppers, about 5 foot square. The care of the plants is actually much easier than you would think (if you are a first time grower). You "prune" the tomato plant and you really do not have to water them all that much. Plant them on a higher ground level so they do not "sit" in water, so they do not have some conditions that can make the grow less, (bugs and other things that tomato plants will get if they are not planted to be up and out of sitting water). Last year I used some extra dark rich soil and just followed recommended care of tomato plants from a few sources, and they turned out a very large and healthy harvest. Had enough to can and still have some canned tomato left, gave a lot to family and friends. Same with the hot peppers.

I would have to guess at the cost of raising the garden last year to be maybe a total of $30.00 including anything used from the original plants, water, one or two things used to keep certain bugs off the plants ( a spray made from orange peel ) and some "miracle grow" applied just one time. Another guess if we had to pay for what we had from our garden at a store, $200.00 Peppers are not very expensive, but tomato prices are not really cheap.

Our neighbor has a really large garden. Has had one for many years. They buy nothing at the store for fruits and vegetables.

I would encourage anyone that can grow some food to do so.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

What is considered upper class in the city is often considered what poor folk do in the country. Growing up, having some potatoes in your yard was a marker that you had far less money than someone who had instant potatoes in their cupboard. To grow potatoes all you needed was a seedy potato and you'd have five dozen in a the fall. Being able to "buy" your food took so much more money than growing it yourself that store bought was a treat.

I grew up on a diet of green beans, corn, apples, and lamb because that is what we grew and survived. I didn't have a pork chop until I was 14 at a friend's house, because no one had pigs. We'd have beef occasionally because a farmer would lose a dairy cow and have too much for their own freezer, or someone would get some wild game, but things other than what we grew ourselves was a rare treat. I never ate a frozen dinner until college; and I've never eaten anything like pre-made stuffing in a box (that I know of). This is very different than in the city, where things like instant potatoes are cheaper than whole ones. Also, unless you're firmly middle class, your homegrown food is organic because you can't afford pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

I do think that a lot of things have changed food:
1. Food has been genetically bred to be shelf-stable longer, handle shipping without bruising, and be picked before ripeness. In addition, resistance to fungus, diseases, and
2. Animal breeds have been selected that produce less fat- for example- the cows that are bred and milked today are mostly Holsteins, which have less fat in their milk than Brown Swiss and other breeds which were more popular at the turn of the century. In addition, this has also happened in terms of animals farmed for meat.
3. Tastes have changed as far as what is wanted, which impacts the breeds and varieties selected. For example, apple breeds have been selected away from cider apples to eating apples.
4. We have less tolerance for blemishes and imperfections, all of which impacts taste.
5. Things are selected for and grown out of season and in zones that push viability, which again, effects taste.

There is no comparison between farm fresh milk out of the cow that morning and the homogenized pasteurized stuff sold in stores. That stands true for corn, beans, apples, lamb, beef, chicken, eggs, goat milk, cheese, peaches, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

Some people are too young to know this but...if milk went "bad" it could be used for making butter milk. Today if milk goes bad, it rots! Milk is not processed the same at all. It has all the components separated and then water is added to make skim milk, 1/2 percent, etc. and it does not last in the fridge as long as milk did even 20 years ago. Cold milk was good for a month or more if kept cold. Now, it rots in a matter of a few weeks. I think the "rot" is due to the water that is added. It smells like some old paint can left out in the rain.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Food is certainly less costly (as a portion of disposable income) than it was a generation or two ago. In this culture, it seems the poorer a person is, the likelier he or she is to be overweight. Some say that's because the highly caloric foods are the inexpensive and readily available ones -- you know, the "value" or "dollar" menu at the fast food emporia, for instance, and canned chili and microwave burritos and all that other fill-you-up-cheap stuff at Kroger. Me, I don't know. Still, it says something that people we deem poor show no signs of ever having gone hungry.

Hi Tony!

I think you are right about it...but even people that look "well fed" may not be all that healthy, just fat! lol! Hate to compare it, but look at that "fat" young person "honey boo boo". Oh dear, her entire family could buy better food and eat better, but they already have bad habits on what they eat and how they eat. I also firmly believe some people that seem to lack better judgement are lacking in a proper diet. To clarify also, we do not watch honey boo boo in our household. No comment (I hope) as to why we do not watch something that gross. lol!

I guess you could say we have been guilty at one time of the "McDonalds" syndrome but not now. In reviewing the actual "taste" of McDonalds or any fast food sources, we noticed how similar it tastes to "flavored Crisco" white grease. Get near a Wendy's and you smell the lard cooking in the air. A much easier "fast food" is to run into a store, buy an apple, some small baby carrots, celery, walnuts, cheese, and munch on them in any fashion you care to. For about a few dollars you can have enough of any of those foods (other than the cheese) for a few meals compared to the money spent on the McDonalds and the healthier factors will always be far better than a bunch of lard on a bun!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Given the choice between lard (a simple, unprocessed rendered pork fat product) and Crisco (a processed, partially-hyrogenated soybean and palm oil product) choose lard every time. Seriously. It tastes better, it cooks better, and it's better for you.

The only thing I ever found Crisco to be good for is that it made a nice emergency wheel-bearing grease for my bicycle.

 

[Tomasso]

Over the years my vegetable and produce sources have been a mix of garden grown, farm fresh and store bought. Frankly, it pretty much all tastes the same to me with the glaring exception of tomatoes.

 

[HudsonHawk]

Given the choice between lard (a simple, unprocessed rendered pork fat product) and Crisco (a processed, partially-hyrogenated soybean and palm oil product) choose lard every time. Seriously. It tastes better, it cooks better, and it's better for you.

The only thing I ever found Crisco to be good for is that it made a nice emergency wheel-bearing grease for my bicycle.

Some folks I know swear that vegetable shortening makes the best pie crusts...better than butter, better than lard, due to it's higher melting point and lower water content. I'm sure there have been tests and more tests. I use butter.