How did they start and where do their origins trace back to?
Can you imagine dining at a restaurant without starting with appetizers? This is unacceptable according to the global etiquette of fine dining. So, where does this category of food originate from?
When did appetizers begin?
Appetizers (light foods, hors d’oeuvres, something simple to nibble on) have appeared in almost every civilization since ancient times. Perhaps their history dates back to an evolutionary instinct from our days as hunters and gatherers, when small pieces of fruits and nuts added a touch to the awaited main meal.
One of the oldest written records about appetizers dates back to the early 3rd century BC when the Athenians started hosting smorgasbord-style buffets at their wild parties.
Like many new inventions, appetizers didn’t gain much popularity at first, needing some work and time to develop.
When did hors d’oeuvres gain their fame?
It seems that the term “appetizers” was coined around the same time in England and America in 1860, mainly to provide a global counterpart to the French “hors d’oeuvres.” An elegant dinner in the 19th century might include both appetizers and hors d’oeuvres.
Different types of appetizers:
There are approximately seven types of appetizers nowadays, some of which may be familiar to you, while others may be worth exploring. These include:
1. Cocktails
2. Canapés
3. Salads
4. Hors d’oeuvres
5. Assorted appetizers/crudites
6. Soups and consommés
7. Chips and dips
Ultimately, all appetizers should be rich in flavor but small in size and price.
Keywords: Appetizers, History and Origins, Dining Starters