HIST241 Project
Storyboard Text
- The consumption of wild eggs predates recorded history. It is known that by 10,000 BC, hominids collected and consumed eggs from the nests of game birds and ate them raw (jungle fowl was a favorite).
- Eggs have been a staple of human diets for millennia, with evidence of their consumption predating ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The origins of eggs as a food source is still contested because humans have been eating them for so long.
- South Asia is considered to be the origin of today’s domesticated chicken and its eggs. It is accepted that multiple regions of southern Asia domesticated wild jungle fowl, which eventually led to the development of the domestic chicken as we know it today. Once fowl were domesticated in India by 3200 BC, chickens spread relatively quickly across Asia and beyond.
- Domesticated chickens and their eggs reached Mesopotamia before 2000 BC, and China and Egypt by 1500 BC. These ancient civilizations prepared eggs in a variety of ways and valued them as a nutritious food source.
- Many ancient peoples also saw eggs as an important religious and spiritual symbol, attributing them to fertility and rebirth due to their association with new life.
- In the land of ancient Egypt, Akhenaten utilized the Nile’s fertile banks to sustain his farm and livelihood. Although his barley and wheat crops were important, Akhenaten treasured his flock of chickens the most. Each morning, Akhenaten ventured to his chicken coop to gather eggs, which were a dietary staple for his family.
- Akhenaten, the Egyptian farmer (3000 BCE)
- Akhenaten recognized the versatility of eggs, preparing them boiled, fried, poached, or as an ingredient in larger dishes. As a lower-class farmer, Akhenaten depended on eggs as an accessible source of nutrition. He preserved the eggs’ freshness by storing them in earthenware vessels in cool, dark places in his home.
- Akhenaten and his neighbours also revered eggs as important spiritual symbols. When a community member died, eggs were included in their burial offerings and depicted in tomb paintings. When Akhenaten and his family attended religious ceremonies, they brought their finest eggs as offerings to gods and goddesses.
- In the busy streets of ancient Rome, the smells of spices and roasting meats filled the air as Consus prepared a dish. Eggs were less accessible, but as a chef for a wealthy patrician, Consus had access to the finest ingredients. Consus considered the egg to be a fundamental ingredient in many of his culinary creations.
- Consus, the Roman chef (100 BCE)
- Consus learned new ways to prepare the egg, such as in fluffy omelets and custards with honey and saffron. His employer preferred to eat eggs as a snack with mulsum, a honeyed wine. After Galen wrote about the benefits of eggs and recommended them as a nutritious food, Consus ensured they were often included in his patrician’s diet.
- Consus, you have outdone yourself with the eggs today!
- Consus bought eggs from local food vendors and farmers’ markets. He purchased a wide array of ingredients to satisfy his patrician’s expensive taste. In Consus’ town, eggs were also associated with new life. To celebrate the equinox in March, his wealthy patrician hung up colourful eggs and gave them as gifts.
- As societies developed, eggs remained an important staple in diets and cultures around the world. In many societies, eggs were considered a luxury because they were seasonally available and more expensive. Peasant farmers often relied on a couple chickens to provide eggs for their families, while wealthier individuals kept flocks or purchased eggs regularly.
- Eggs were produced by individual households and small-scale farms. Chickens were kept in backyard flocks or on small family farms, where they usually roamed freely. Hens laid eggs naturally with minimal human intervention, as farmers provided them with suitable nesting areas and diets. Egg production was labour-intensive because farmers had to manually collect eggs from coops, nesting boxes, or yards.
- Eggs were sold locally at markets by farmers, merchants, or traders. Eggs were transported short distances and sold fresh to consumers, often by foot or carriage. In urban hubs, markets and vendors sold eggs from nearby farms. Eggs were also traded and used as a currency in many societies, being exchanged for other goods and services.
- Eggs remained an important cultural symbol across the globe. They were associated with life and renewal, often present at religious festivals, events, and celebrations. Unique egg dishes also emerged from specific cultures, as different societies utilized its versatility.
- In the flourishing forests of medieval England, Agnes worked the land day and night to provide for her peasant family. One of Anges’ most crucial tasks was tending to her small flock of hens, which provided a sense of security for her family. In a time of scarcity in the kingdom, Agnes cherished her hens for providing a steady supply of eggs.
- Agnes, the medieval peasant (1200 CE)
- Thank goodness we have these chickens in this time of famine in the kingdom!
- Agnes allowed her hens to forage during the day but ensured that they were housed safely in the coop at night to avoid foxes that emerged from the woods. Agnes used most of her eggs to feed her family, but any extras were traded for other goods with neighbours. Today, Agnes traded some eggs for milk from a local dairy farmer.
- Sounds like a great deal, neighbour!
- In the countryside of Japan, Akio worked his family’s farm with pride and rigour. Akio spent most of his time tending to his rice and vegetable fields, while chickens pecked at bugs in his backyard. Akio collected the hen’s eggs and enjoyed their nourishment.
- Akio, the Japanese farmer (1700 CE)
- In his spare time, Akio traveled to a nearby city to sell his goods at a market. Here, Akio sold his fresh farm eggs to people like Hiroshi, a city-dwelling artisan.
- Hiroshi made all kinds of delicious Japanese dishes using these eggs, like tamagoyaki, onsen tamago, and oyakodon. Hiroshi even found ways to preserve his eggs, such as by coating them with a mixture of lime, salt, and ash to seal their pores.
- The industrialization of egg production revolutionized the way eggs were produced, processed, and distributed. Industrialized farming techniques were introduced, such as mass flocks, confinement housing, and automated feeding. This allowed for large-scale egg production, resulting in a significant increase in egg availability and affordability. As eggs became easier to produce, they became more accessible to consumers worldwide.
- Industrial egg production also enabled the globalization of the egg market. Traditional farming faced challenges as industrial producers emerged in the 1900s. Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Cal-Maine Foods rose as large-scale egg producers in the twentieth century. These companies supplied eggs to markets worldwide, reducing the need for local farmers and manual production. As urbanization and supermarkets became widespread in the twentieth century, it became normal to purchase eggs from corporations.
- TYSON FOODS
- In the sprawling metropolis of New York City, Alice’s life was marked by domestic work and family care. Alice’s family moved from the countryside to NYC when she was 13, and since then she enjoyed reaping the benefits of industrialization in the big city. Alice could still remember collecting eggs from the chicken coop as a childhood chore as she walked a few minutes to the local supermarket.
- Alice, the Progressive housewife (1925 CE)
- SUPERMARKET
- As a housewife, Alice was responsible for her family’s groceries and meals. She enjoyed her frequent runs to the supermarket, where she often purchased a 12 pack of eggs manufactured by Tyson Goods. To Alice, these eggs were a symbol of modernity and privilege. She used them to cook beautiful meals for her husband and kids, from scrambled eggs to rich custards for her husband’s sweet tooth.
- Eggs for your baked treats!
- In the modern day, eggs largely continue to be mass produced and sold at grocery stores and supermarkets. Eggs are still sold and consumed locally, especially in rural areas, but this is minute compared to the global egg market.
- For the average household, eggs are sourced from corporations who mass produce their products nationally or internationally. Cal-Maine Foods and Cargill continue to be large producers of eggs in the present day, among many others.
- EGGS
- This has prompted the “organic” and “free range” movements, as buyers desire eggs from chickens raised more natural and humane conditions compared to typical factory farms. For example, Iowa Cage-Free a major American egg producer known for its commitment to cage-free egg production.
- Recent fads and trends have influenced the marketing and consumption of eggs. As consumers become more aware of their health and consumption habits, many seek out products that are ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable.
- In the plains of the American Midwest, Justin diligently worked in his company’s sprawling factory farm. On this farm, chickens were kept in crowded battery cages with little room to move or engage in natural behaviours. Most of the work in this factory was carried out by automated machinery, reducing the need for physical workers like Justin. For example, eggs were collected by conveyor belts, disinfected by washing machines, and graded using sensors and cameras.
- Justin, the industrial egg producer (1990 CE)
- In Kingston, Lucy enjoys her busy life as sustainability consultant for local businesses. As a professional in this field, Lucy is aware of the issues that arise from industrialized mass farming. For example, she knows that factory egg farming is unsanitary and unethical, as chickens are kept in overcrowded, unclean cages and denied outdoor time. She is also aware of the environmental repercussions, like the immense amount of greenhouse gasses produced from factory farming.
- Lucy, the modern consumer (2024 CE)
- Unsanitary and unethical!
- Lucy tries to buy her eggs from local farmers' markets, as she knows these eggs come from chickens that were well fed and cared for on a small farm. When this is not possible, she prioritizes buying organic eggs from free-range companies. Lucy takes inspiration from Gwyneth Paltrow, who she credits with being one of the first celebrities to advocate organic living. Like Paltrow, Lucy tries to exclude industrialized and processed foods from her diet.
- Thanks for supporting local!
- In conclusion, the industrialization of eggs transformed their production, distribution, and consumption. Eggs went from localized products to a mass-produced staple dominated by large corporations. Industrialization prompted the mechanization of egg production, reducing the need for physical labour like there had once been.
- The expansion of distribution networks also occurred, as companies started to transport eggs long distances to sell at grocery stores. Most of all, industrialization greatly increased the availability and affordability of eggs, allowing more consumers worldwide to eat them.
- One thing that has stayed the same is the importance of eggs in cultures around the world. Historically, eggs were valued by all classes as a nutritious and versatile food. This has not changed, as eggs continue to be a fundamental element in the modern kitchen. Through history, eggs have served as dietary and cultural symbols with diverse uses.
- As we look ahead to the future, sustainability efforts will be crucial in ensuring that the egg industry can continue to meet growing demands. Sustainable practices, such as organic farming, reducing waste, and investing in alternative energy sources, can help mitigate the environmental impacts of egg production. Additionally, supporting local egg producers can promote community spirit and reduce the carbon footprint of egg consumption.
- The End!
- Citations and bibliography in separate document!
Over 30 Million Storyboards Created
No Downloads, No Credit Card, and No Login Needed to Try!
