The stories and history behind the individual foods we eat--from salt to sushi and rice to salami--beginning with the early efforts of humans in their quest for sustenance and culminating in today's diverse culinary landscape.This glorious visual celebration of food in all its forms reveals the extraordinary cultural impact of the foods we eat, explores the early efforts of humans in their quest for sustenance, and tells the fascinating stories behind individual foods. With profiles of the most culturally and historically interesting foods of all types, from nuts and grains, fruits and vegetables, and meat and fish, to herbs and spices, this fascinating culinary historical reference provides the facts on all aspects of each food's unique story. Feature spreads shine a spotlight on influential international cuisines and the local foods that built them. The Story of Food explains how foods have become the cornerstone of our culture, from their origins to how they are eaten and their place in world cuisine. The Story of Food is packed with sumptuous and evocative images that create a feast for the eyes, while the stories intrigue, surprise, and enthrall, making it the perfect gift for food lovers, cooks, gourmets, and history lovers with a penchant for food.