As winter sets in and we get to take out our favorite coats and scarves to stay warm, remember that soup is an excellent way to stay full and stay warm. Something delicious to keep the sniffling for the holiday celebrations and not the seasonal cold. Learn a bit more about how this simple, yet delicious meal came to be your solace from the bitter cold weather.

The first bowl of soup was made in 20,000 BC when people were learning to make waterproof containers and began boiling water. Crossing Europe for over 500 years, the Roman Empire had a big impact on the history of ancient soup. This is how Gazpacho came to Spain where it became a famous dish in the region and across the world today. 

In the 14th century, the course of soup changed once again, this time because of fashion! The style during 14th century Europe favored stiff ruffs around the neck. This made eating soup by lifting the bowl to one’s lips difficult. If only there was some way to carry the soup out of the bowl, behold the soup spoon!

Centuries later French cuisine gave us the wide variety of soups that we know today, thicker soups and thinner soups started to get classified and their recipes honed. Just before the turn of the century, canned soup was invented and soon after mass produced. 

As we warm up inside with our favorite soup, give thanks to the many years it took to perfect these soup recipes. Don’t forget that without soup, we would never have been blessed with spoons, and sporks!

More Helpful Articles

Slow down in the city: SF’s Best Green Spaces 

San Francisco is known for tall buildings and steep hills, but within the busy city, there are abundant green spaces that offer the perfect spots to unwind and take in the fresh air. From urban spaces to jungle-like escapes, the city has everything you could need to...

read more

Fresh Finds: A Guide to Local Farmers’ Markets

With the Bay Area being an agricultural hotspot, there are so many fantastic farmers' markets waiting to be discovered. From fresh produce to ready-made food, there is no shortage of wonderful food options waiting to be discovered by you. Farmers' markets thrive in...

read more

Top Five Beaches in the Bay

The Bay Area is scattered with dozens of beaches, so your options may feel endless when you’re trying to decide where to spend the day. Additionally, every local beach is known for something special, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you are making your...

read more