The History of Grilled Beaver Tail, And Other Early American Delicacies

A line outside of a soup kitchen during the Great Depression

What we choose to eat every day, and the basis for our national tastes, goes far beyond our palate. Dr. Libby H. O'Connell discusses how economics, technology, and social movements have changed our tastes dramatically. Her new book, The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites traces the history of foods ranging from blueberries and bagels to peanut butter, hard cider, and Cracker Jack, revealing the hidden history behind the everyday foods that fill our grocery carts.