Author: Tye, Diane

Source: Food, Culture and Society: An International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 11, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 335-353(19)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

Abstract:

Part of an early trade triangle that linked Atlantic Canada to the West Indies through the exchange of fish, molasses was integral to the survival of some of the region's earliest settlers. Throughout the nineteenth century, molasses was a common ingredient in everyday and festive baking, a sweetener in tea, and a part of many remedies. Most commonly, molasses was served on bread as an accompaniment to, or a substitute for, a meal. Molasses filled you up when there was little or nothing else to eat. This article explores stories Atlantic Canadians tell themselves about themselves through molasses. Noting past and present links to geographically distinct social hierarchies and power relations, it documents the importance of molasses for Atlantic Canadians. It reflects on how memory and popular culture come together around molasses to transform poverty and nostalgia into iconic past landscapes.

Keywords: MOLASSES; FOODWAYS; ATLANTIC CANADA

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175174408X347892

Publication date: 2008-09-01

More about this publication?

• Formerly, The Journal for the Study of Food and Society (ISSN: 1528-9796). Click here to see all previous issues.
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Nutrition & Food ,  Social Sciences
• By this author: Tye, Diane

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers