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Did food taste better in the past and if so, why?

food taste good

That food had more flavour years ago was commonly voiced by older peothe 1940s and 50s. This page considers whether their view lay in personal perception, cookery skills or the food itself, and it considers to attempt to achieve that old-fashioned taste today.

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By the webmaster based on firsthand recollections and informal discussions

When I was a young adult, older people regularly seemed to complain that food didn't taste as good as it used to. They yearned for that old-fashioned taste? Were they right to do so? I certainly understand their position for one or more of the following reasons:

The changed perception of the taster

More skilful cooks in the past

Food really did have fuller flavour in the past

Incidentally the vintage cookery book that everyone has heard of is Mrs Beeton's. However, just glancing through it shows that she was writing for the more affluent members of society with no shortage of money and with time on their hands. My interest and the focus of this website is the everyday life of ordinary families.

The old-fashioned taste today

As older people die and younger ones take their place, we don't hear as much about that old-fashioned taste because younger people never experienced it. Is it possible to resurrect it without paying a premium for organic food and without a risk to health?

The links in the menu are to pages which show how I have done my best to achieve the old-fashioned taste today while making my own recipe modifications to capitalise on modern cookery techniques, equipment and food safety. I hope you find the pages interesting and useful.

If you can add anything to this page or provide a photo, I would be pleased if you would contact me.

Text and images are copyright

sources: early 20th century material      sources: ww2 home front and other material     contact
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