The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

a (condensed) history of soup, from cave to can

  • Written by Garritt C Van Dyk, Lecturer, University of Newcastle
a (condensed) history of soup, from cave to can

Hot soup on a cold day brings warmth and comfort so simple that we don’t think too much about its origins. But its long history runs from the Stone Age and antiquity through to modernity, encompassing the birth of the restaurant, advances in chemistry, and a famous pop art icon.

The basic nature of soup has a fundamental appeal that feels primordial – because it is.

Archaeologists[1] speculate the first soup might have been made by Neanderthals, boiling animal bones to extract fat essential for their diet and drinking the broth. Without the fats, their high intake of lean animal meats could have led to protein poisoning, so stone age soup was an important complement to primeval nutrition.

The fundamental benefit of these bone broths is confirmed by archaeological discoveries around the world, ranging from a gelatin broth in Egypt’s Giza plateau[2], to Shaanxi Province[3] in China.

The widespread distribution of archaeological finds is a reminder soup not only has a long history, but is also a global food.

Today, our idea of soup is more refined, but the classic combination of stock and bread is embedded in the Latin root of the verb suppāre, meaning “to soak”.

As a noun, suppa became soupe in Old French, meaning bread soaked in broth, and sowpes[4] in Middle English. This pairing was also an economical way of reclaiming stale bread and thickening a thin broth. Wealthier households might have toasted fresh bread for the dish, but less prosperous diners used up stale bread that was too hard to chew unless softened in the hot liquid.

From rustic to creamy

New ideas about science and digestion in 17th century France promoted natural flavours[5] and thick, rustic preparations gave way to the creamy and velvety smooth soups we know today.

People line up for soup
The Soup Kitchen, Antonio de Puga, ca. 1630. Museo de Arte de Ponce

New versions of the liquid food were developed by early modern European chefs, such as the seafood bisque[6], extracting flavour from the shells of crustaceans.

The first restaurant as we understand them today opened in Paris in 1765, and was immortalised for a simple broth[7], a clear soup made from bone broth and fresh herbs.

Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau[8], the original French restaurateur, created a new type of public space where weary diners could regain their lost appetites and soothe their delicate nerves at all hours.

It may appear to be a contradiction that the first restaurant specifically catered to clients who had lost their appetites, yet it seems perfectly natural soup was the cure.

Read more: Revolutionary broth: the birth of the restaurant and the invention of French gastronomy[9]

Easy and affordable

Soup was not destined to be limited to fancy restaurants or the long simmering stock pots of peasants. Modern science made it convenient and less expensive for home cooks.

In 1897, a chemist at the Campbell soup company, John Dorrance, developed a condensed canned soup[10] that dramatically reduced the water content. The new method halved the cost of shipping and made canned soup an affordable meal anyone could prepare.

Painting of men at a table Lunch (The Soup, Version II), Albin Egger-Lienz, 1910. Leopold Museum, Vienna

This revolutionary achievement was recognised at the 1900 Paris Exposition, winning an award for product excellence. Winning the prize was an achievement considering the competition at the world fair. The other technological advances exhibited at the turn of the century included the diesel engine, “talking” films, dry cell batteries and the Paris Metro.

The bronze medallion from 1900 still appears on the iconic red and white label, made famous by pop artist Andy Warhol’s 32 Campbell Soup Cans[11] (1962).

In his work, Warhol appropriated images from consumer culture and the media ordinary people would instantly recognise, from Coca-Cola bottles to Marilyn Monroe. In his famous soup painting, 32 canvases – one for each flavour of soup – are lined up like cans on a supermarket shelf.

Two people in a gallery look at Warhol's soup cans Gallery visitors look at Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup. AP Photo/Diane Bondareff

Some interpretations[12] consider this a commentary on the link between art and consumerism, emphasising the ordinary quality of the everyday object. The artist may also have been influenced by his personal eating habits – he claimed he had soup for lunch[13] every day for 20 years.

Read more: Polaroids of the everyday and portraits of the rich and famous: you should know the compulsive photography of Andy Warhol[14]

‘One of the prime ingredients of good living’

A steady diet of soup is not guaranteed to inspire famous art, but its appeal is universal. Soup can be humble or fancy, cutting across cultures and classes.

Deceptively simple, the warmth and comfort of soup provide a temporary refuge from the winter chill, comforting the diner from the inside.

The French chef Auguste Escoffier, famous for enshrining the five basic “mother sauces[15]” in French cuisine, raised soups to perfection in the early 20th century, developing refined preparations that remain classics today.

Escoffier, known as[16] “the king of chefs and the chef of kings”, had very high standards[17] for soup, claiming “of all the items on the menu, soup is that which exacts the most delicate perfection”.

An Austrian apprentice of Escoffier, Louis P. De Gouy, was chef at the Waldorf Astoria for 30 years and wrote 13 cookbooks.

He summed up the appeal of soup in a volume[18] dedicated to the dish with over 700 recipes:

Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.

From Neanderthal broth to pop art icon, this humble pantry staple has a rich and vibrant history, giving us both nourishment and food for thought.

References

  1. ^ Archaeologists (www.academia.edu)
  2. ^ Egypt’s Giza plateau (www.archaeology.org)
  3. ^ Shaanxi Province (www.bbc.com)
  4. ^ sowpes (quod.lib.umich.edu)
  5. ^ natural flavours (www.researchgate.net)
  6. ^ seafood bisque (archive.org)
  7. ^ simple broth (gallica.bnf.fr)
  8. ^ Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau (www.rebeccalspang.org)
  9. ^ Revolutionary broth: the birth of the restaurant and the invention of French gastronomy (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ condensed canned soup (www.campbellsoupcompany.com)
  11. ^ 32 Campbell Soup Cans (www.moma.org)
  12. ^ interpretations (warhol.netx.net)
  13. ^ soup for lunch (whitney.org)
  14. ^ Polaroids of the everyday and portraits of the rich and famous: you should know the compulsive photography of Andy Warhol (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ mother sauces (www.escoffieronline.com)
  16. ^ known as (books.google.com.au)
  17. ^ high standards (www.google.com.au)
  18. ^ volume (www.google.com.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/good-soup-is-one-of-the-prime-ingredients-of-good-living-a-condensed-history-of-soup-from-cave-to-can-205656

The Times Features

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping