Ep 6. The Rum Trade

In season 4 episode 6 of A Taste of History, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the history of the rum trade. Host Chef Walter Staib delves into the origins of rum and how it became a popular commodity in early America. He traces the roots of the rum trade back to the Caribbean, where sugar cane was cultivated and distilled into molasses that was shipped to the colonies.

The episode begins with Chef Walter Staib visiting Mount Gay Rum Distillery in Barbados. He learns about the production process of rum, starting from the cultivation of sugar cane to the aging of the finished product in barrels. The tour gives viewers a glimpse into the laborious process of making rum and the attention to detail required to produce high-quality rum.

After returning to the United States, Chef Walter Staib visits the historic William Paca House in Maryland, where he prepares a dish called Rum Flummery. He explains that this dessert was a favorite of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and was often served at state dinners during the late 1700s. Rum Flummery is made from a mixture of milk, sugar, and rum, and thickened with a seaweed-like ingredient called Irish moss.

Later in the episode, Chef Walter Staib visits the famous El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, where he learns how to make a traditional Cuban cocktail called the Daiquiri. He also explores the history of the bar, which was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway when he lived in Cuba.

The episode concludes with Chef Walter Staib preparing a dish called Rum Baked Ham. He explains that ham was a popular meat in early America and was often cured with molasses and rum to preserve it. The dish is a nod to the historical significance of rum in early American cuisine.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to beautiful shots of the Caribbean and Cuba, as well as historical reenactments that bring to life the early days of the rum trade. Chef Walter Staib's enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the role that rum played in the early history of America.