According to a BBC News tweet , the "Welsh leek" could be set for protected status. "A Brief History of Foods", reveals how surprisingly few of our commonly used ingredients are not native to these shores. Such is the case with leeks, whose Welsh heritage is not so clear cut.

Farinata, a classic Italian street food, is claimed to have been discovered by Roman soldiers who baked chickpea flour pancakes on their shields. For good reason this is undoubtedly a myth. Find out why.

On This Day, December 31st, 1705, Catherine of Braganza, widow of Charles II whom she had married in 1662, died in Lisbon, Portugal. Most notably, from our food history perspective, Catherine is said to have brought the tea drinking habit to the Royal Court.

On This Day, December 30th, a cold Sunday morning in 1945, the cargo ship Tilapa docked in Bristol. It was carrying the first bananas to be seen in Britain for five years.

On This Day, December 27th in 1675 a Royal Proclamation orders the closure of all coffee houses in London because they are seen as hotbeds of subversion. Within days public outrage forces a reversal of the decision.

A series exploring a Brief History of Foods, in this case Coffee.

A brief introductory history to the humble sausage, popular worldwide.

In recreating recipes from the Medieval and Tudor periods we often rely on the Forme of Cury. That last word sounds a lot like 'curry' but is there any connection? We didn't know so we set about finding out.

A brief history and description of common ingredients, in this case, lemons.

Tastes Of History introduced visitors to Berkhamsted Castle to the food of the "Merrie Ol' England" of the Tudors. Here are the recipes.

Over the late August Bank Holiday weekend we joined the Hoplite Association to recreate 5th-century Greeks at Military Odyssey in Kent. The recipes we created are here for your delectation.

Robert May's The Accomplisht Cook was published in 1660 and included a large number of pie recipes with sweet fillings. If you find you have a surplus of apples this year, then Marlborough Pie might be just the ticket.

A simple guide for teachers and pupils on food history in Britain and some of the foods introduced by the Romans.

You often hear it said that people in the past drank beer all day, every day because water was dirty or fouled. Have those who claim this never heard of water wells? Time to dispel another myth.

April 23rd marks the birthday of William Shakespeare. As he is famously thought to have been born and died on the same date, so April 23rd is also the anniversary of his death on St George's Day in 1616. St George's day was once celebrated with feasts, so here are some delicious recipes to recreate and enjoy.

Because spices were expensive there is a persistent idea that Medieval peasants ate bland and tasteless food. It's a myth. Find out why?

Reclining to eat was the preserve of rich Romans so how did ordinary citizens dine? Find out how "fast food" is not a modern idea but has roots in Roman towns and cities.

A brief introductory guide to wine and winemaking in the Roman period.

"Kitchenalia" introduces objects from different historical periods, discovers a bit about their history and how each was made. We look at how, through our practical experiments, we have learnt to best use them, and offer some recipes for you to try at home. Today's object is the Roman testum.

"Kitchenalia" introduces objects from different historical periods, discovers a bit about their history and how each was made. We look at how, through our practical experiments, we have learnt to best use them, and offer some recipes for you to try at home. Today's object is the Roman mortarium.