Eight Flavors

Historical gastronomist Sarah Lohman narrates her well-researched examination of how eight flavors made their way from the far-flung corners of the world to the cupboards of almost every American kitchen. Lohman's clear diction is easy to understand, and her pronunciation of non-English names and terms has an authentic sound as she reveals the influence that politics, exploration, immigration, and socioeconomics have had on the transition of particular spices, such as black pepper, from the exotic to mainstream acceptance. Listeners who forgive Lohman's choppy delivery, with its unexpected pauses and sometimes jarring emphasis, will meet one of the first celebrity chefs (in the curry chapter), an unlikely botanist (vanilla), and the producers of one of today's most popular hot sauces (sriracha). Historic and classic recipes are included. C.B.L. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine