Andrew Coletti's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Gastro Obscura
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chemistry

The Ancient Female Alchemist Whose Name Is in Your Kitchen

Who put the Marie in "bain-Marie"?
April 8, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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chickens

Cutting-Edge Tech Could Spare America’s Unwanted Chickens From Culling

"In-ovo sexing" would revolutionize the chicken industry, but consumers have to want it first.
March 12, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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food history

How a Dinner Series Brought Borobudur’s Stone Reliefs to Life

The most famous monument in Indonesia shaped these ninth century–inspired feasts.
March 7, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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brain

In Defense of Eating Brains

While some in the West are squeamish, globally, it's more common than not.
February 16, 2024
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feed your head

Why Kava Laws Choose Tradition Over Commercialization

New Zealand regulations prevent the sacred beverage of the Pacific Islands from being watered down.
February 8, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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astronauts

Sweet Potato Salad Might Be the Optimal Space Food

A new study produced the ideal "space salad" for long-term astronauts, and it's surprisingly delicious.
February 1, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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middle east

A Longed-For Taste of Home in ‘The Exile’s Cookbook’

A 13th-century Arabic cookbook reveals the culinary life of al-Andalus.
January 23, 2024
Gastro Obscura
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ingredients

The Confusing Truth About Arrowroot

What's in a name?
January 22, 2024
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sustainable

Fight Food Waste With Unusual Flours

Add something extra to your baking.
January 15, 2024
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year in wonder 2023

Our Favorite Cookbook Stories of 2023

Make some room on your bookshelf.
December 28, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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year in wonder 2023

The Year in Fruit

This was a fruitful year for Gastro Obscura.
December 22, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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food history

Make Italy’s Christmas Snake Cake

In Umbria, the holidays mean a piece of sweet, almondy serpentone.
December 15, 2023
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spices

Try These West African Spices in Your Holiday Baking

Have some fun with fusion.
December 11, 2023
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thailand

Make Thailand’s Golden Threads Dessert

A recipe from the countess who ran the royal kitchens of Siam.
December 8, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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thailand

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of the 'Queen of Thai Desserts'

From countess to political prisoner to palace chef, Maria Guyomar de Pinha lived a life fit for the screen.
November 30, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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roses

Make Ancient Roman Brain and Rose Soufflé

Somebody in the fifth century combined these ingredients into one recipe, and probably no one has since.
November 14, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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mesopotamia

Ordering Off a 5,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Menu

A community effort brings ancient flavors to modern Texas.
November 3, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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vegan

Celebrating the Food of West Africa, Vegan-Style

From a region known for meat dishes, plant-based perspectives are emerging.
October 31, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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vintage

Make Tiger Tail Ice Cream With Gastro Obscura

Recreating a vintage Canadian classic.
October 27, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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honey

The Magic Spells That Herded Medieval Bees

For European beekeepers, “swarm charms” were once a tool of the trade.
October 20, 2023
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food history

Make This Fallout Shelter–Friendly 1960s Ham Spread

The author of this recipe hoped you would never need it.
October 13, 2023
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food history

What Would You Eat in a Cold War Fallout Shelter?

Nuclear war readiness meant stocking the pantry and recipes for canned ham salad.
October 6, 2023
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food history

The Forgotten Dessert Loved by a Roaring '20s 'It Girl'

When life gives you marshmallows, turn them into marlow.
October 2, 2023
Gastro Obscura
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poison

How Poisonous Fruit Pits Became Irresistible to Humans

These plants make cyanide.
September 25, 2023