Track Food Trends with Google Books: A Culinary Time Capsule
Google Books: A Researcher’s Paradise
Google Books is an online digital library that allows users to search within millions of books. It’s a valuable tool for journalists, fact-checkers, and researchers, providing access to a vast repository of knowledge. While traditional libraries and physical books remain important, Google Books offers the convenience of finding specific quotes or information from obscure or specialized sources that may not be readily available elsewhere.
Ngrams: Mapping the Evolution of Words
Google Labs has developed a fascinating tool called Ngrams, which allows users to explore the frequency of words and phrases in books over time. By entering two or more search terms, Ngrams generates a graph that shows how often these terms have appeared in books published between 1500 and 2000. This tool provides a unique way to track food trends and cultural shifts.
The Rise and Fall of Microwave Ovens
Comparing the terms “microwave” and “bake” in Ngrams reveals that “microwave” surged in popularity in the mid-1950s, overtaking “bake.” This rise likely reflects the growing adoption of microwave ovens, which were first patented in 1941 but only became widely popular in the 1970s. However, the graph also shows a decline in the use of “microwave” from the mid-1990s onward, suggesting a shift towards other cooking methods.
The Rise of Arugula and the Fall of Iceberg Lettuce
Ngrams also sheds light on the changing popularity of specific foods. A comparison of “arugula” and “iceberg lettuce” shows that arugula overtook iceberg lettuce in references in American English books around 1984. Since then, arugula has experienced a steady rise, while iceberg lettuce has declined in popularity. This trend reflects the growing interest in leafy greens and healthier eating habits.
The Popularity of Tofu and Granola
The Ngrams graph for “tofu” reveals that this plant-based protein was virtually unknown until around 1970. By the mid-1980s, it had surpassed “roast beef” in popularity. Similarly, “granola” was unheard of until 1970, but it has risen steadily ever since, even briefly overtaking “sushi” for a few years around 1980. These trends reflect the growing popularity of vegetarianism, veganism, and healthier food choices.
The Evolution of Food Names
Ngrams also allows us to track changes in the names we use for foods. “Pasta,” for example, was relatively flat in popularity until the 1970s, when it began to rise, surpassing “spaghetti” around 1982. This shift suggests a broader adoption of Italian cuisine and a move away from more traditional American dishes.
Changing Tastes in Ethnic Cuisines
A three-way race between “pad Thai,” “moo goo gai pan,” and “korma” reveals America’s evolving tastes in ethnic cuisines. “Korma,” an Indian curry dish, experienced peaks and valleys in popularity, while “moo goo gai pan,” a Chinese noodle dish, declined after its peak around 1994. “Pad Thai,” a Thai noodle dish, remained relatively obscure until the late 1980s but surged in popularity, surpassing the other two dishes by 2000. This trend reflects the growing diversity and popularity of Asian cuisines in the United States.
Additional Food-Related Queries
The possibilities for exploring food trends with Ngrams are endless. Here are a few additional queries to consider:
- The history of pizza in the United States
- The rise and fall of fast food
- The changing popularity of organic and locally sourced foods
- The influence of celebrity chefs on food trends
- The impact of food blogs and social media on culinary culture
By utilizing Google Books and Ngrams, researchers, journalists, and food enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the evolution of food trends and the cultural significance of food.
