Diasporic Foodways, Pickle Trends, and "Unusual" Family Traditions with Author Michael W. Twitty

Most Americans underestimate how much industry and tradition shape our Jewish and Southern food. This week, Liz and Jeffrey sit down with Michael W. Twitty, the renowned culinary historian and James Beard Award–winning author of The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul.The three dive into how industrialization transformed kosher foods from trusted community staples into mass-produced, low-quality products, and how that shift may be behind the decline of once-great Jewish delis. They also explore ways in which certain traditions are kept alive, the best foods for pickling, and so much more.A prolific writer and food justice advocate, his unique perspective on Black, Jewish, and Southern culinary crossovers adds a special flair to this lively discussion, especially during Pride and Juneteenth month.Learn more about Michael and purchase his all of books, including Koshersoul, here: https://michaelwtwitty.com/Show notes:Pre-order Queer Soup Night: The Cookbook: https://combospress.com/products/queer-soup-night-the-cookbookInformation on the women-led Kosher Meat Riot of 1910: https://www.thejewishnews.com/community/the-jewish-women-behind-the-detroit-kosher-meat-riot-of-1910/article_47223202-21a0-11ef-b468-9749a64402cb.htmlAn illuminating article Michael wrote about Juneteenth for Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/history-of-juneteenth-foodThis episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email [email protected]!Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.Follow:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gefilteria/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heebmedia/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeebMedia