In time for Thanksgiving, this unique work of history and storytelling provides insight on “endangered foods.” Culinary historian Sarah Lohman highlights efforts underway to preserve local culinary traditions and rare, cherished foods—before it’s too late. Join us for an illustrated presentation and moderated discussion on a topic important both to American history and sustainability.
Apples, a common New England crop, have been called the United States' "most endangered food." The iconic Texas Longhorn cattle is categorized at "critical" risk for extinction. Unique date palms found only in California’s Coachella Valley may not survive as family farms are shutting down. These foods carry significant cultural weight, but they are disappearing. In Endangered Eating, culinary historian Sarah Lohman travels the country -- from South Carolina to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest to Navajo Nation – interviewing shepherds, fishers, and farmers; scientists, historians, and activists to learn about our country’s distinct ingredients. Her enjoyment of such important regional foods as wild rice, Navajo Churro ram, heirloom sugarcane, wild salmon, and gumbo is diminished by news of their possible extinction. Her book reveals the challenge and calls us to action; it also includes recipes encouraging the purchase, preparation, and preservation of endangered ingredients.
Additional Information
Your ticket comes with a signed copy of Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods. Books will be sent through our partners at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA in the first week of December. They will ship via priority mail within the U.S. (media mail to Massachusetts addresses). If you would like to purchase additional copies signed by the author, please order through the bookstore using the code AMINSP23.
To explore our list of upcoming American Inspiration author events, please visit https://www.americanancestors.org/inspire.
Sarah Lohman is the author Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. Formerly the Curator of Food Programming at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, she currently works with institutions around the country to create public programs focused on food. More information at https://sarahlohman.com
Diane Zatz is an Associate Editor at The Cook’s Cook, an international community passionate about food; she edits, writes, and designs content for their culinary website. Diane is also a painter and graphic design educator. She has recently transitioned from urban living to growing and learning about food and flowers on a farm in Lancaster, PA’s Amish Country.
Presented in partnership with The Cook’s Cook, an international community passionate about food.