Tomatoes were cultivated by the Aztecs in the Americas—then brought to Italy by the Spanish in the 1500s—but people thought they were either poisonous or an aphrodisiac. In France, tomatoes were called pommes d’amour—“apples of love”—due to the belief that they had aphrodisiac properties; In Italy, tomatoes were called pomi d’oro—“golden apples”—because the first tomatoes in Europe …
An aphrodisiac is any substance used to increase pleasure, desire, and/or performance In Indian and Greek folklore, saffron was considered to be an aphrodisiac so potent that it would corrupt any woman In Indian and Greek folklore, saffron was considered to be an aphrodisiac so potent that it would corrupt any woman. Today, saffron has …
The Chinese Lunar New Year begins during the New Moon on January 29th. It is both the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar and the celebration of the arrival of Spring. The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle with each year being a different element and animal. There are 12 animals …
Roman soldiers were paid with salt instead of money. 💵 This monthly allowance was called a “salarium” from the Latin word “sal” for salt. Over time, salarium evolved into the English word “salary.” Salt was valuable because it was essential for preserving and flavoring food like meat and fish. Salt is harvested from both the …
In Iceland, the Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, is a giant black cat that eats anyone who hasn’t received new clothes by Christmas Eve.