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Gastro Obscura

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The Quest for an Ancient Culture's Cannabis-Filled Cooking

The Svans, from Georgia's Caucasus region, had their weed culture (and plants) uprooted.

Benjamin Kemper, Atlas Obscura

The Vineyard Where Retired French Soldiers Make Wine

In Provence, Foreign Legion veterans report for duty among the vines.

Alexis Steinman, Atlas Obscura

America's Greatest Horticulturist Left Behind a Plum Mystery

Frida Kahlo painted him. Thomas Edison admired him. Now Rachel Spaeth is trying to decode him.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

The Jiggling, Gelatinous Creations of a Pop-Up Jell-O Exhibition

Behold a beloved children's character, a famous painting, and fusion foods.

Anna Kusmer, Atlas Obscura

How 'Ennobling' Helped Italian Aristocrats Solve the Problem of Garlic

The ingredient would have otherwise been too cheap to grace noble tables.

Ryleigh Nucilli, Atlas Obscura

A 212-Year-Old Ship Biscuit Is Selling for Only $3,580

This sailor's snack is well past its expiration date.

Christina Ayele Djossa, Atlas Obscura

Galapagos Tomatoes Are Surprisingly Pest-Resistant

New research reveals that they can protect themselves from a number of common bugs.

Cara Giaimo, Atlas Obscura

april fools day

Help Us Solve This Gefilte Fish Mystery

Do you remember a spoof news segment about this traditional Jewish food?

Natasha Frost, Atlas Obscura

great depression foods

The Depression-Era Glassware That Came in Boxes of Oatmeal

These vibrant dishes helped cheer up Americans during a bleak time.

Beth Ward, Atlas Obscura

This Scientist Explains Complex Concepts With Sushi

Sashimi meets science.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

The Bygone Baguette Mailboxes of French Polynesia

Like birdhouses, but for bread.

Paula Mejia, Atlas Obscura

How a Vibrant, Factory-Made Sweet Usurped the Original Maraschino Cherry

The same term describes two wildly different cherries.

Robert Lamb, Atlas Obscura

'À La Mode' Is a Lonely Survivor of a French Culinary Code

In America, à la Nesselrode and à la Maryland are à la gone.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

When Family-Owned Gelato Shops in Italy Almost Went Extinct

Did Big Gelato try to wipe out artisanal stores in the 1950s?

Vicky Hallett, Atlas Obscura

Looking Like a Flapper Meant a Diet of Celery and Cigarettes

A new standard of beauty led to today’s weight-loss regimens.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

The 17th-Century Nursery Rhyme About Kneading Bread With Your Butt Cheeks

If cockle bread existed, you wouldn't want it anyway.

Eric Grundhauser, Atlas Obscura

preservation methods

Can Putting a Frog in Milk Keep It Fresh?

Modern science may have an answer to this Russian folk belief.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

Russia's Patriotic Alternative to Coca-Cola Is Made Out of Bread

For centuries, Russians have celebrated their Slavic roots with kvass.

Natasha Frost, Atlas Obscura