The Most Historically Important Foodstuffs

Grain (and by extension bread) feeds the world, and has fed it for almost as long as recorded history. Ancient Egypt's chief export was grain, which made it an incredibly important part of the Roman Empire. It also led to the discovery of beer, which you can bet millions are incredibly thankful for.

Bread was everything to the common Frenchman's diet in 18th century Paris. It was so important that bakers were considered public servants and the police controlled bread production. So when there was a massive bread shortage that led to a famine, you better believe everyone was eager to overthrow the government. What followed was known as the French Revolution.

Potatoes are a versatile and filling vegetable. It was easy to grow in Ireland, to the point where most of the population depended on the crop for their diet. In the mid 1800s, however, a blight wiped out the crop which led to over a million people dying of starvation. It's become a lesson in crop diversification ever since.

Pickling was one of the earliest forms of preserving food in ancient times. It allowed many foods to be transported, sailors to be fed, and families to have meals during the winter. Today, pickled vegetables have taken on different cultural significances, from kosher pickles to pickled plums in Japan.

During the second World War, America was rationing certain fundamental foods in order to ensure they had enough to feed their population and their soldiers. Fruits and vegetables were in short supply, so the government asked its citizens to grow their own. More than 20 million Americans started "Victory Gardens" in backyards and on rooftops.