I’d say that impacted the entire US. The SNL skit Coneheads was all about this with “mass quantities”.
Keep in mind the impact of the Depression on people too. Quality isn’t a concern when you’re not even getting enough to eat (my parents, but especially grandparents can/could speak to this). My father was always hungry until he was drafted.
Studs Terkel’s Hard Times should be required reading today.
Twentieth century food production was a godsend to anyone born before the 1950’s.
Plus the Midwest was heavily settled by Nordic folks and Eastern European, bringing their food traditions with them.
Yeah my family is from the Midwest. On my mom’s side we’re 4th gen Norwegians who founded a town in Kansas (pretty sure it’s Kansas). They arrived just before the depression and I’m pretty sure my family’s legacy of bland cooking is partly a result from that and our Norwegian heritage. We still make kumla every year. Good stuff (minus the canned veggies. Seriously Midwest, it’s ok to use fresh vegetables)
Kumla looks pretty good. Now I really wish I had picked up lingonberries when I was at IKEA last weekend. Unfortunately I decided I didn’t know what I’d do with them. Now I know
So funny Midwestern farmers of all used canned veggies. But I can understand. Put yourself into Mom’s shoes at the time, 10 seconds to open a can, VS an hour to clean/chop/cook a veggie.
I highly recommend giving kumla a try! It’s very filling and will probably leave you a couple pounds heavier (don’t be shy with the butter). On the vegetable note, I can see it as a practical measure but some things are worth the extra effort imo
Partly.
I’d say that impacted the entire US. The SNL skit Coneheads was all about this with “mass quantities”.
Keep in mind the impact of the Depression on people too. Quality isn’t a concern when you’re not even getting enough to eat (my parents, but especially grandparents can/could speak to this). My father was always hungry until he was drafted.
Studs Terkel’s Hard Times should be required reading today.
Twentieth century food production was a godsend to anyone born before the 1950’s.
Plus the Midwest was heavily settled by Nordic folks and Eastern European, bringing their food traditions with them.
Yeah my family is from the Midwest. On my mom’s side we’re 4th gen Norwegians who founded a town in Kansas (pretty sure it’s Kansas). They arrived just before the depression and I’m pretty sure my family’s legacy of bland cooking is partly a result from that and our Norwegian heritage. We still make kumla every year. Good stuff (minus the canned veggies. Seriously Midwest, it’s ok to use fresh vegetables)
Kumla looks pretty good. Now I really wish I had picked up lingonberries when I was at IKEA last weekend. Unfortunately I decided I didn’t know what I’d do with them. Now I know
Oh boy, kumla looks good!
So funny Midwestern farmers of all used canned veggies. But I can understand. Put yourself into Mom’s shoes at the time, 10 seconds to open a can, VS an hour to clean/chop/cook a veggie.
I highly recommend giving kumla a try! It’s very filling and will probably leave you a couple pounds heavier (don’t be shy with the butter). On the vegetable note, I can see it as a practical measure but some things are worth the extra effort imo