GEO 509 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Argan Oil, Ambergris, Pitaya
9 Dec 2014
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A gastronome: person with intense interest and curiosity about food. Wrote a book called curiosities about natural histories (in 1837) Famous for tasting anything out of curiosity. Wrote about mice and that the toast of mice is delicious. He tried earwigs and found them horribly bitter. Panther claws were pretty soft at the edges and unpleasant texture. Observed the worst thing he ever tasted was a mole; until he tried blue bug. Often ordered his cooks to make it on the side of his meals. Formed in the intestines of sperm whale. Substantial number of whales and ambergris was found and collected on side of oceans. Believed to have an aphrodisiac quality to it. Some people believed there is a central effect by rubbing it on your skin. Used as a flavour enhancer, food, added to certain wines, in herbal stuff, remedies, etc. Travels the globe searching for rare foods.
