Why Is Salt & Pepper The Default Seasoning?

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Have you ever paused mid-bite to ponder why salt and pepper hold the esteemed position of default seasonings across an array of dishes worldwide? It’s not merely because they’re the most elemental flavours in our culinary repertoire. The true reason lies within the intriguing chronicles of these two culinary stalwarts. Let’s embark on this culinary journey with salt. This humble ingredient has been adorning our dishes for millennia, its value so profound that it was employed as a currency across certain cultures. As a natural preservative, salt served as a crucial tool for food preservation, long before the advent of modern refrigeration techniques. Its inimitable ability to bring out the inherent flavours of a dish, coupled with the essential role it plays in human health, contributed to its prized status.

Juxtaposing salt’s antiquity, pepper’s history is relatively recent. Originating from the bountiful flowering vines of India, pepper is a fruit that has adorned our kitchens since 2000 BC. Owing to its fiery flavour and the zest it imparted to dishes, it rapidly became one of the most precious commodities globally. Its value soared to such heights that it found itself being employed as a form of currency.

The question then arises – how did salt and pepper ascend to their current status as the default seasoning duo? The answer lies within the annals of the spice trade. In the 15th and 16th centuries, as European explorers and traders started venturing into India and the broader Asian region, they were introduced to the extensive use of salt and pepper. The Europeans, captivated by these exotic flavours, commenced importing them back home.

As the usage of salt and pepper proliferated across Europe, they became the quintessential choice for most dishes. This trend was fuelled by their widespread availability, versatility, and their magical ability to enhance any dish’s flavour. Their complementary flavour profiles brought balance to dishes, making them indispensable.

Fast forward to the present day, and salt and pepper still reign supreme in the realm of seasonings. They are ubiquitous, found gracing restaurant tables and home kitchens worldwide. While the culinary world has expanded to include a myriad of other seasonings, salt and pepper’s throne remains unchallenged, firmly secured as the default choice across diverse cuisines.

A captivating exploration into the rich history that underpins the prominence of salt and pepper in our kitchens. I hope this whets your appetite for more culinary adventures. Bon appétit!