Spices have always had a way of stirring things up—sometimes literally, sometimes politically. They’ve flavoured soups, sparked wars, inspired travel, and even ruined royal stomachs. From kings with extravagant tastes to entertainers who couldn’t resist a bit of chilli heat, spice lovers have popped up in every corner of history. Let’s take a wander through their peppery passions.
Monarchs Who Wouldn’t Settle for Bland
Medieval rulers adored spices. They weren’t just a seasoning; they were a status symbol. If you were rich, you didn’t just sprinkle cinnamon—you poured it on like confetti at a parade.
Take King Richard II of England. His kitchen records show he went through saffron like it was table salt. Saffron remains the most expensive spice in the world today. Imagine his cooks: “Your Majesty, we’ve used today’s entire supply in one pie. Should I order another cartload?”
Over in France, Louis XIV had an entire court culture that revolved around showy food, with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon making their way into every dish. Spices were as much about power as taste—if you could afford them, you could show off.
And let’s not forget Queen Elizabeth I. She had such a fondness for gingerbread that she even had biscuits shaped like her own face. If that’s not the ultimate ego snack, what is?
Explorers with Pepper Fever
Spices didn’t just stay in kitchens. They launched ships. Christopher Columbus went west looking for pepper and cinnamon. He didn’t find them, but he did stumble across chilli peppers in the Americas, which Europeans quickly adopted. They liked the heat but were a bit puzzled—where were the “real” spices?
Vasco da Gama actually did manage to find India by sea, opening the floodgates for the Portuguese spice trade. He brought back black pepper, cinnamon, and other wonders that suddenly made European dishes taste less like boiled cabbage and more like something you’d actually want to eat.
Even Magellan’s crew, though most of them didn’t survive the voyage, managed to return with a shipload of cloves. That single haul of spice was worth more than the expedition itself. Imagine being one of the few sailors who lived: “I’ve lost all my friends, but at least I’m sitting on a fortune in cloves.”
Chefs Who Went Heavy-Handed
Of course, without cooks, all that pepper and cinnamon would just gather dust in jars. Some chefs throughout history have been true spice fanatics.
Take Apicius, the Roman food writer. His cookbook, De Re Coquinaria, is filled with spice-heavy recipes—pepper was everywhere, often drowning out the other flavours. Roman diners apparently enjoyed food that scorched their tongues and wallets in equal measure.
Fast-forward to the 20th century and you get Julia Child, who introduced French cooking to North America with lashings of herbs and spices. She wasn’t shy about garlic either, declaring that no proper cook should be afraid of it. The woman was practically a garlic activist.
And then there’s Madhur Jaffrey, who revolutionised how Western audiences thought about Indian spices. Her recipes showed that cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom could transform the dullest stew into something extraordinary.
Entertainers Who Craved Heat
It’s not just monarchs and explorers—performers have also been spice enthusiasts.
Elvis Presley famously adored fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, but he was also partial to spicy southern dishes loaded with cayenne and paprika. Maybe that hip-shaking wasn’t just rhythm—it could’ve been indigestion.
In more recent years, Chrissy Teigen has built an empire partly on her love of hot, spicy food. Her cookbooks celebrate chillies and bold flavours, proving that spice is as Instagrammable as it is tasty.
Even George Clooney has dipped into the spice game, though via tequila. Agave isn’t exactly a spice, but tequila cocktails often involve chilli salt rims and spicy syrups. If Clooney is serving them, they count.
Spice: The Great Connector
What’s striking is how universal spice love has been. Monarchs hoarded it, explorers chased it, chefs worshipped it, and entertainers flaunted it. Spices were currency, medicine, and magic dust all rolled into one.
They’ve also been troublemakers. Empires were built and torn apart over nutmeg. Cooks were fired (or worse) for skimping on saffron. And even today, friendships can be tested over who can handle the hottest curry.
So, whether you’re tossing cinnamon into porridge, splashing chilli oil on dumplings, or sipping a spiced cocktail, you’re part of a long, quirky tradition. History isn’t just written in battles and treaties—it’s written in peppercorns and gingerbread biscuits too.
The gentle waft of spices from a simmering pot does more than just tickle your nose; for eons, these aromatic powerhouses have been deeply entwined with a rich tapestry of myths, folklore, and deeply held superstitions. From warding off malevolent spirits to practically coaxing prosperity from thin air, the humble herb and the exotic spice have transcended their role as mere ingredients. They’ve become fascinating vessels of belief, reflecting humanity’s enduring quest for comfort, control, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of good fortune.
Garlic: The Pungent Protector
Think of garlic, and your mind might jump straight to warding off vampires. And you wouldn’t be wrong! This pungent powerhouse is arguably one of the most universally recognized protective spices. Its unmistakable aroma and potent flavor have long been associated with repelling evil. In much of Europe, particularly in Balkan and Slavic cultures, garlic cloves strategically hung in windows or even worn around the neck were believed to deter everything from vampires to witches and other shadowy, nocturnal entities. This isn’t just movie magic, either; the superstition seeped right into the kitchen. People would use garlic liberally in their dishes, especially during vulnerable times like New Year’s Eve, to purify the food and, by extension, protect those who ate it. Even today, the symbolic might of garlic as a safeguard against unseen forces hangs around in many communities, sometimes just as a playful nod to ancient wisdom.
Salt: More Than Just a Seasoning
And then there’s salt. Ah, salt! It’s so much more than just a seasoning, isn’t it? Since antiquity, this humble crystal has been revered for its purifying and preserving magic. That age-old ritual of flinging a pinch of spilled salt over your left shoulder? It’s not just an old wives’ tale; many genuinely believe it blinds the devil or sends bad luck packing. This tradition likely sprang from ancient beliefs that the devil or evil spirits hung out over your left shoulder, just waiting for an opportunity. In countless cultures, salt gets sprinkled around homes to create invisible barriers against wicked spirits or is lovingly used in blessings for new homes and even new babies. Its use in the kitchen often carries an unspoken reverence for its protective powers, making sure the food stays pure and safe from any unsavory influences.
Cinnamon & Cloves: Sweetness and Fortune
Beyond simply protecting us, some spices are believed to draw in good fortune. Take cinnamon, for instance. With its warm, sweet aroma, it’s often linked directly to prosperity, love, and cold, hard cash. In various traditions, including Hoodoo and certain Asian folk practices, a simple act like sprinkling cinnamon powder on your doorstep or tucking a stick into your wallet is thought to magically attract wealth. So, if you’ve ever wondered why grandma insists on extra cinnamon in her holiday treats, it’s not just for flavor; there’s often an underlying hope for abundance and sweetness baked right in. Similarly, cloves are incredibly versatile in folklore, used for protection, love, and money-drawing. Burning cloves or keeping them in small sachets is a practice rooted in their perceived ability to dispel negative vibes and usher in positive outcomes, extending their role far beyond just flavoring a holiday ham.
Chili Peppers & Bay Leaves: Fire, Fortune, and Future
And let’s not forget the fiery myths of chili peppers. While their heat is undeniably a culinary force, many cultures credit them with protective qualities, especially against the dreaded “evil eye.” In places like Turkey and Greece, you’ll still see strings of dried red peppers proudly hung outside homes or businesses, a vibrant visual shield meant to deflect jealousy and ill will. Their bright color and potent kick are believed to symbolize a forceful rejection of negative energies. In parts of Latin America and Asia, adding chili to dishes isn’t merely about turning up the heat; it’s also about symbolically invigorating the spirit and burning away bad luck.
Less talked about, but equally fascinating, are the beliefs wrapped around bay leaves. The ancient Greeks and Romans held these leaves in high esteem, linking them to Apollo and prophecy. Priestesses would even chew them to induce visions, and it was widely believed they could grant wishes. Today, some folk traditions suggest writing a wish on a bay leaf and either burning it or tucking it under your pillow, hoping to make dreams a reality. So, when a bay leaf finds its way into your stew, it might subtly carry a hidden hope for clarity, success, or just a little spark of inspiration.
These culinary superstitions, carefully passed down through generations, beautifully highlight our innate desire to infuse everyday life with a bit of magic and meaning. Whether they sprang from ancient religious rites, clever observations of natural properties, or simply the comforting embrace of tradition, these beliefs remind us that food is never just about sustenance. It’s a powerful conduit for culture, a shield against the unknown, and often, a whispered prayer for a better tomorrow, seasoned generously with the invisible power of myth and memory.
Those comfort foods that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, making you feel like nothing else matters in the world? Well, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but some of your favourite foods may actually be hiding some shocking facts that will make you think twice before taking another bite. So buckle up and prepare to be shocked, as we dive into some of the shocking facts about your favourite foods!
Let’s start with pizza, the ultimate comfort food that we all know and love. Did you know that the average pizza contains enough salt to fill up a salt shaker? That’s right, the savoury, delicious taste that we all crave is packed with enough sodium to send your blood pressure skyrocketing. And don’t even get me started on the number of calories that come with that cheesy goodness. Let’s just say that a single slice can contain up to 300 calories, and who eats just one slice of pizza anyway? Not me, that’s for sure!
about everyone’s favourite fast food joint – McDonald’s. Did you know that the iconic How Big Mac has a whopping 540 calories and 28 grams of fat? That’s almost a third of your daily recommended intake of fat in just one burger! And if you think that’s bad, wait until you hear about the McRib. This limited-time menu item contains over 70 ingredients, including an ingredient called azodicarbonamide, which is also used in yoga mats. Yes, you read that right – yoga mats. I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll be sticking to the fries and nuggets from now on.
Moving on to another crowd favourite, the good old-fashioned hamburger. Did you know that the average hamburger patty contains enough bacteria to make you sick? Yep, that’s right, that juicy, mouth-watering burger that you’re biting into could be a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria. And let’s not forget about the amount of saturated fat that comes with it. A single burger patty can contain up to 10 grams of saturated fat, which is almost half of the recommended daily intake. But hey, who needs a healthy heart anyway, right?
Next up, we have something that’s near and dear to my heart: chocolate. Who doesn’t love a good piece of chocolate? But did you know that most commercial chocolate bars contain trace amounts of insect parts? That’s right, those crunchy little bits that you thought were just nuts or crispy rice might actually be ground-up insects. And don’t even get me started on the amount of sugar that comes with it. A single chocolate bar can contain up to 30 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake for adults. But who cares about their health when there’s chocolate to be had, am I right?
Remarkably, donuts were once considered a health-food. That’s right! In the 1930s, donuts were advertised as a nutritious and energy-packed snack that could help you lose weight. The reasoning was that since donuts were made with flour and eggs, they were a good source of protein and carbohydrates. And because they were fried, they were believed to be an excellent source of energy. Of course, we now know that donuts are far from a health food, but it’s still shocking to think that they were once marketed that way!
Did you know that the red food colouring used in your favourite red velvet cake is made from crushed-up bugs? Yes, you read that right. It’s called cochineal, and it’s made by grinding up the dried bodies of a tiny insect called the cochineal bug. So, the next time you take a bite of that delicious cake, remember that you’re actually eating bug juice. Yum!
Moving on to something a little more savoury, let’s talk about potato chips. Did you know that chips contain acrylamide — a chemical that forms when potatoes are cooked at high temperatures, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of cancer? And let’s not forget about the amount of salt that comes with it. A single bag of chips can contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium, which is almost a quarter of the recommended daily intake. But who needs healthy kidneys when there’s a bag of chips to be had, am I right?
Here’s something that’s often overlooked but is still an important part of many people’s diets – bread. Did you know that the average slice of bread contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates? And that’s just for one slice! But that’s not the only shocking fact about bread. In 2002, a man in Australia set a world record for the fastest time to butter and eat a slice of bread. He managed to do it in just 3.85 seconds! Now that’s some impressive bread-eating skills.
I’m sure most of you love cheese and can’t imagine your life without it. But did you know that the mold in blue cheese is actually the same kind of mold that grows on your sweaty socks? I know, I know, it’s gross, but hear me out. The mold is called Penicillium roqueforti, and it’s responsible for giving blue cheese its distinctive flavour. So, the next time you’re enjoying a delicious blue cheese salad, just remember that you’re basically eating moldy socks.
Now, let’s talk about something a little more wholesome – fruit. Specifically, the world’s most popular fruit – the banana. Did you know that bananas are actually berries? And that they’re technically a herb? That’s right, folks – the banana is not a fruit at all. It’s an imposter! And if that’s not enough to blow your mind, here’s another fun fact. The inside of a banana peel can be used to polish shoes. That’s right, you can have shiny shoes and a healthy snack all in one!
Lastly, let’s talk about something that’s a staple in most people’s diets: soda. Did you know that a single can of soda contains enough sugar to give you a sugar rush that can last for hours? A single can of soda can contain up to 40 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake for adults. And let’s not forget about the amount of caffeine that comes with it. A single can of soda can contain up to 45 milligrams of caffeine, which is almost as much as a cup of coffee. But who needs a good night’s sleep when there’s a can of soda to be had, right?
So there you have it, folks, some shocking facts about your favourite foods. But don’t worry, I’m not here to judge. We all have our guilty pleasures, and sometimes we just need to indulge in a little comfort food to get through the day.
It’s time to debunk some food myths and uncover the dirty secrets of so-called “healthy” foods. Prepare to be surprised, shocked, and possibly even disgusted as we reveal the truth behind these popular beliefs.
1 Granola
Oh, granola, how we’ve been deceived. With its crunchy texture and nutty flavour, granola seems like the perfect breakfast food. But the truth is, most store-bought granola is loaded with sugar and calories. In fact, a single serving of granola can contain as much sugar as a can of soda! So, if you’re trying to watch your waistline, you might want to skip the granola and opt for something less deceiving, like a boiled egg or a bowl of plain oatmeal.
2 Smoothies
Smoothies are often touted as a healthy meal replacement or snack option. But beware, not all smoothies are created equal. Many store-bought smoothies are loaded with sugar and calories, thanks to the addition of fruit juice, frozen yogurt, and other sweeteners. If you’re making your own smoothies at home, be sure to use fresh or frozen fruit, unsweetened almond milk or yogurt, and skip the added sugars.
3 Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugar. After all, it comes from the agave plant, which is also used to make tequila. But the truth is, agave nectar is not as healthy as it seems. In fact, it contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup! Fructose is a type of sugar that can be harmful in large quantities, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health problems. So, if you’re looking for a healthy sweetener, you might want to try honey or maple syrup instead.
4 Gluten-Free Products
Gluten-free products have become all the rage in recent years, thanks to the growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance. But the truth is, many gluten-free products are no healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. In fact, they often contain more sugar, fat, and calories to compensate for the lack of gluten. So, unless you have a medical reason to avoid gluten, there’s no need to switch to gluten-free products.
5 Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are often touted as a healthy alternative to regular potato chips. After all, they’re made from vegetables, right? Well, not exactly. Most veggie chips are made from potato flour and cornstarch, with only a small amount of vegetables. And, like regular potato chips, they’re often fried in oil and loaded with salt. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, you might want to opt for raw veggies with hummus or salsa instead.
6 Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is often marketed as a healthy drink option, but the truth is, it’s not as healthy as it seems. Most fruit juice contains a high amount of sugar and calories, without the fibre and nutrients found in whole fruits. Plus, drinking fruit juice can lead to blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems. So, if you’re looking for a healthy drink option, try water, tea, or unsweetened almond milk instead.
7 Protein Bars
Protein bars are often marketed as a healthy snack option, but the truth is, many of them are little more than glorified candy bars. Most protein bars contain a high amount of sugar and calories, along with artificial flavours and preservatives. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, try raw nuts or seeds, Greek yogurt, or a hard-boiled egg instead.
8 Fat is bad for you
The myth that fat is bad for you has been perpetuated for years, and yet it’s completely untrue. In fact, fat is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. The key is to focus on healthy fats, like those found in nuts, avocados, and fatty fish, and avoid unhealthy fats, like those found in fried foods and processed snacks.
9 Eating late at night causes weight gain
The belief that eating late at night causes weight gain is a popular misconception, but it’s not entirely true. Your body doesn’t care when you eat, as long as you’re not overeating. So, if you’re hungry at night, go ahead and have a snack. Just make sure it’s a healthy one, like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.
10 You need to drink eight glasses of water a day
This idea has been around for as long as we can remember: drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. But the truth is, there’s no magic number when it comes to how much water you should drink. It depends on a variety of factors, like your age, weight, and activity level. So, instead of obsessing over a specific number, just drink water when you’re thirsty and make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day.
1 Sage:
This herb is said to have purifying and cleansing properties, making it perfect for smudging. Smudging, of course, is the act of burning sage and waving the smoke around to cleanse a space of negative energy. Or, you know, you could just open a window and let some fresh air in. But where’s the fun in that?
2 Rosemary:
Ah, rosemary. It smells so lovely and is the perfect addition to any roast chicken. But did you know that it’s also supposed to help
with memory and concentration? If you’re feeling forgetful, just take a whiff of some rosemary essential oil and you’ll be back on track in no time. Or, you know, you could just write yourself a reminder note. But that’s not nearly as fun as sniffing some herbs.
3 Basil:
This herb is often associated with love and fertility. Some people believe that if you sprinkle dried basil around your home, it will attract love and prosperity. Others swear by basil tea as a potent aphrodisiac. I don’t know about you, but the only thing I’ve ever felt after drinking a cup of basil tea is a sudden urge to go to the bathroom.
4 Lavender:
Llavender. The scent of relaxation and tranquillity. It’s no wonder that this herb is often used in aromatherapy and bath products. Lavender is
said to have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Or, you know, you could just take a deep breath and remind yourself that everything will be okay. But where’s the fun in that?
5 Thyme:
This herb is often used in cooking, but did you know that it’s also supposed to have healing properties? Some people believe that thyme
tea can help cure a sore throat or cough. Others swear by thyme oil for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Me? I just like the way it tastes in a nice bowl of soup.
6 Chamomile:
This herb is often associated with relaxation and sleep. Chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink because it’s supposed to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. But did you know that chamomile is also supposed to have protective properties? Some people believe that if you sprinkle dried chamomile around your home, it will protect you from negative energy and evil spirits. Hey, it’s worth a shot, right?
7 Dandelion:
Okay, hear me out. Dandelions might be considered a weed, but they’re also supposed to have powerful magical properties. Some people believe that if you blow on a dandelion and make a wish, it will come true. Others swear by dandelion tea for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. Me? I just like to watch my dog chase after the little white puffballs.
8 Mint:
This herb is often used in cooking and is a popular flavour for gum and mints. But did you know that it’s also supposed to have healing properties? Mint tea is often used to help with digestive issues, and mint oil is supposed to help with headaches and muscle pain. I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll stick to popping an Advil.
9 Lemon balm:
This herb is often used in tea and is supposed to have calming properties. It’s also said to attract love and romance. Some people believe that if you put lemon balm leaves under your pillow, you’ll dream of your true love.
10 Cinnamon:
This warm and spicy herb is often used in baking, but it also has magical properties. Cinnamon is associated with love, protection, and success. It’s believed to attract money and promote career growth. So, sprinkle some cinnamon in your wallet or burn it as incense to attract wealth and positive energy.
