Six foods to being a Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide

The new release, Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide opens the page to exploring flavors that may not typically be on the menu. While some people are looking to push the culinary envelope, others do not know where to begin.

At a recent event at FREEHOLD in Union Square, Dylan Thuras, Atlas Obscura and co-author unveiled a custom vending machine. The offering showcased six foods alongside the new book. While no passport was required, the food offered a journey around the globe.

Which of these six Gastro Obscura foods would you want to try first?

At the special event, the vending machine offered the following items: Pu’er Tea, Miracle Berry, Akabanga, Bradford Watermelon Rind Pickles, Canned Bread and Butterfly Pea Flower. While a few of these items have started popping up at restaurants, others might be a touch more exotic.

For example, Miracle Berry has been around for a long time, but some people have not experienced the flavor enhancement. When consumed, the Miracle Berry can turn tart flavors to sweet. Some chefs have used it as a way to play with items on their menu. Others have tried to incorporate the flavors as enticement to make some healthy foods more appealing. No matter the reason, it needs to be used with care. That little “miracle” flavor change doesn’t instantly go away.

Another fun food experience is Butterfly Pea Flower. Many mixologists have been using this ingredient in cocktails. As the color changes, the reaction is memorable. While it might seem like a magic trick, it is a visual that you will want to see again and again.

If it is time to take a journey beyond the simple and explore the unusual, open the pages of Gastro Obscura A Food Adventurer’s Guide. It could be a food journey that never ends.