Salt & Pepper

[marietinn]

I wonder, does anyone know why salt and pepper are the staple seasonings? Why are they a fixture on most peoples tables?

Its kind of random, I know, but a friend and I were eating dinner and she asked. I decided if anyone would know, it'd be a hound.

Thanks!

Marie

[marietinn]

Thanks! I'm interested in pepper too... that seems to be a less common inquiry.

[ipsedixit]

At the risk of sounding glib, I think pepper is popular because it makes food taste better without overpowering the food's natural flavor.

If I recall correctly, pepper was one the main spices transported in the spice trade routes between Europe and India.

[thew]

fascinating read on the history of salt:

http://www.amazon.com/Salt-World-Hist...

[manraysky]

and here's another:

http://www.amazon.com/Much-Depends-Di...

[Davwud]

I don't know about either.

Since I have not much else to do I will speculate on salt.
My guess would be because from almost the outset, it's been important for preserving meat. People probably found that it lent a pleasing taste as well.

DT

[marietinn]

Thanks! I wonder if anyone else will have further information. I know salt used to be very expensive and in some places was used as currency. Maybe it has to do with prosperity?