The Food Programme: Food Myths

Britain is famed for its many local and national traditional dishes, with recipes handed down over centuries. But how accurate is the history relating to these foods? Some have an association with a particular village, county or country and have become icons of identity.

However, many of the stories told about their origins are either spurious or exaggerated. Other foods, associated with national events, have a curious background with interesting changes in their nature and usage. For example, simnel cake, which we associate with Easter, was actually linked to Mothering Sunday.

Sheila Dillon delves into the past and explodes a few myths along the way, with plenty of surprises in store.