Mental Floss

FOOD HISTORY









Tacos de canasta are often sold by mobile vendors

Tacos de canasta (or “basket tacos”) were not the first tacos ever made, but their origin is inextricably linked with the history of that culinary classic.

Jon Mayer


Doughnuts have a delicious but mysterious history.

The history of doughnuts is difficult to trace. Did doughnut history begin the first time a sweet dough was fried in oil? Does it start when the first hole was punched into a yeasted dough before frying? And what do oil balls have to do with it?

Michele Debczak




Many things about the hot dog are up for debate.

The story of this quintessential American food begins with the invention of sausages thousands of years ago. Where it goes from there is more complicated.

Michele Debczak


jodiecoston // iStock via Getty Images Plus

Though fruitcake may be the butt of a lot of jokes, there’s a reason it secured its place in our cultural firmament.

Michele Debczak






Candy corn wasn't always associated with Halloween.

Whether you view a piece of candy corn as a nostalgic treat or a cloying nugget of disappointment, you can’t deny its place in the Halloween season. Here's how it got there.

Michele Debczak


Kativ/iStock via Getty Images Plus

From ancient Mesopotamia to New York deli counters, pickles have played a vital role in the global culinary scene. But where do pickles come from, and how did the cucumber become the standard-issue pickling vegetable in the States?

Michele Debczak
Glico/Candy Warehouse/Amazon

In the 50-plus years since they were first introduced, Pocky sticks have taken the world by storm. Learn more about the history of this popular Japanese snack food here.

Tasia Bass