Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
The Rise and Fall of London's Slimy Delicacy: The Story of Jellied Eels
The Rise and Fall of London's Slimy Delicacy: The Story of Jellied Eels
The Rise and Fall of London's Slimy Delicacy: The Story of Jellied Eels
Monday 20th September 2021
Discover the fascinating history of jellied eels, a once-popular British delicacy, and learn about its cultural significance and decline.
60 minutes
informative
humorous
nostalgic
curious
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Karen vanBarneveld
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Get the buttons here!The Quirky Tale of London's Jellied Eels
Episode Overview
- Jellied eels have a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
- Once a popular East End delicacy, their popularity has waned.
- Eels have a unique breeding process and migration pattern.
- Cultural significance of eels in British cuisine.
- Environmental changes contributed to the decline in eel population.
It's just strange how almost a century after finally uncovering the truth about eels and their extraordinary lives, these dull, slimy critters—like sea sausages—continue to fascinate.
In this engaging episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Miles and Andy embark on a journey to unravel the curious history of jellied eels, a traditional British delicacy that has long perplexed and intrigued many. Once a staple in the East End of London, jellied eels have a story that intertwines with themes of empire, mission, and cultural inheritance. Despite their current niche status, jellied eels played a significant role in the culinary history of Britain.
The episode begins with a humorous take on the hosts' reluctance to try the dish, setting a light-hearted tone for the discussion. They delve into the origins of jellied eels, tracing back to the 18th century when they were a popular and convenient snack for the working class. The preparation involved chopping and boiling eels with vinegar and spices, creating a gelatinous concoction that captivated Londoners.
Miles and Andy explore the fascinating biology of eels, discussing historical beliefs about their reproduction. Aristotle, Pliny the Elder, and Sigmund Freud all make appearances in the narrative, highlighting the long-standing mystery surrounding eel breeding. The hosts explain how eels migrate vast distances across the ocean, a journey that few animal species undertake. As the conversation progresses, they touch on the decline of jellied eels as a popular food.
The Industrial Revolution and subsequent pollution in London's waterways significantly impacted eel populations, leading to a 95% decline in recent decades. This environmental change, coupled with evolving culinary tastes, has rendered jellied eels a relic of the past. Despite their decline, jellied eels maintain a nostalgic charm for those who remember their heyday. Miles and Andy conclude by reflecting on the cultural importance of such dishes, emphasizing the value of preserving culinary history.
They invite listeners to explore their podcast feed for more intriguing food stories and hint at future episodes that promise to be just as entertaining.