Forever Ago: The History and Mystery of Mayonnaise

Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host: Joy Dolo and Maya
Produced by: American Public Media

Introduction: Embracing the Mayonnaise Mystery

The episode kicks off with host Joy Dolo humorously lamenting her aversion to mayonnaise. [00:00] Joy shares her discomfort with mayo, setting a lighthearted tone for an exploration into the condiment she ostensibly despises. This personal stance invites listeners to join her on a journey to uncover the fascinating history behind this ubiquitous sauce.

Listener Engagement: Maya’s Mayo Challenge

Listener Maya from San Diego contacts the show with a unique episode idea: exploring the history of mayonnaise. [01:06] Maya specifically chooses mayonnaise as the topic, knowing of Joy's well-known dislike for the condiment. This challenge becomes the central theme of the episode, blending personal anecdotes with historical inquiry.

The Basics of Mayonnaise: Ingredients and Preparation

Joy and Maya delve into the fundamental components of mayonnaise. [05:26] They outline that mayonnaise is a simple sauce composed of egg yolks, oil, an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, and optional seasonings such as garlic or mustard. This simplicity has contributed to its widespread adoption and enduring presence in global cuisines.

Etymology and Origins: Tracing the Name ‘Mayonnaise’

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the origins of the word "mayonnaise." [06:29] Various theories are presented:

• Geographical Origin: One hypothesis suggests it’s named after a Spanish city called Ma On, with the French term "salsa mahonesa" indicating its roots.
• Linguistic Roots: Another theory links the name to the French word "manier," meaning to stir, reflecting the sauce’s preparation method.
• Ingredient Influence: The old French word "moyeu," meaning egg yolk, is also considered a potential source.
• Regional Naming: Some believe it’s named after the French town Bayonne, hence "Bayonnaise."

[07:55] Maya summarizes, “But no matter the etymology or the origin of the word, mayonnaise is here to stay,” emphasizing the condiment’s global entrenchment despite uncertainties about its naming.

Global Popularity: Mayonnaise Around the World

The conversation shifts to mayonnaise’s international presence. [08:00] Russia emerges as the top consumer, where mayo is integral in salads featuring herring, beets, and potatoes. In the United States, mayonnaise surpasses other condiments like mustard in popularity, sparking strong brand loyalties and debates among consumers.

Mayonnaise Brands: Duke’s, Hellmann’s, and Kewpie

Joy and Maya compare major mayonnaise brands, highlighting their distinct flavors and regional preferences. [16:21]

• Kewpie: Known for using rice vinegar, more egg yolks, yeast extract, and a touch of MSG, giving it a rich, umami-packed flavor reminiscent of cheese.
• Duke’s: Utilizes cider vinegar without added sugar, earning it the title "mayor of tangy Town."
• Hellmann’s: Praised for its mildness and thick, creamy texture, Hellmann’s is considered a foundational brand in the mayonnaise landscape.

Joy expresses interest in trying Kewpie, intrigued by its unique flavor profile: “[16:34] ‘Kewpie uses rice vinegar, more egg yolks, and yeast extract, giving it that big, savory flavor, AKA umami.’”

Culinary Innovations: Mayonnaise in the Kitchen

The hosts explore unconventional uses of mayonnaise beyond traditional applications. [22:05]

• Grilled Cheese Hack: Using mayonnaise instead of butter to coat bread before frying prevents burning and imparts a smooth, golden crust. Maya enthusiastically endorses this method, stating, “[22:50] ‘That's so cool.’”

This segment not only showcases mayonnaise’s versatility but also demonstrates how understanding its properties can enhance everyday cooking.

Expert Insights: Francis Lamb on Mayonnaise’s Magic

In a pivotal moment, hosts Joy and Maya bring in Francis Lamb from The Splendid Table podcast to provide deeper insights into mayonnaise. [18:05]

• Emulsion Explained: Francis breaks down mayonnaise as an emulsion—a blend of oil and water bonded by egg yolks, creating a thick, stable sauce instead of a greasy mixture.
• Flavor Profiles: He elaborates on how different brands achieve unique tastes through varying acid types, spices, and additives like MSG in Kewpie.
• Culinary Importance: Francis emphasizes mayonnaise’s essential role in enhancing the texture and flavor of sandwiches, describing it as “offers richness and sauciness” without the greasiness of plain oil.

Joy reacts to this newfound appreciation with excitement: “[21:52] ‘Are you ready for the answers to first things first?’ [22:05] ‘My world is changing. I love Ranch. I’m gonna lose so many fans.’”

Fun and Games: First Things First

The episode features an interactive segment where Joy and Maya play a historical ordering game. [08:08] Topics include Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Gloppy from the Candyland board game, and the invention of instant oatmeal. Maya successfully guesses the correct chronological order, adding a playful element to the educational content.

Conclusion: From Disdain to Understanding

By episode’s end, Joy’s perspective on mayonnaise undergoes a subtle transformation. [24:03]

• Empathy and Knowledge: Through historical context, brand differentiation, and expert opinions, Joy begins to appreciate mayonnaise’s culinary significance.
• Final Thoughts: Maya reflects on how understanding different perspectives can reduce aversions: “[24:05] ‘Yes. Different perspectives, you know? And I'm just learning so much.’”

The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to experiment with mayonnaise in their cooking and to share their experiences, fostering a community of learning and appreciation.

Notable Quotes

• Joy Dolo: “[06:00] ‘There's something about the texture and something about it that I just have never liked. But it's also like, it's everywhere.’”
• Maya: “[07:55] ‘But no matter the etymology or the origin of the word, mayonnaise is here to stay.’”
• Francis Lamb: “[18:05] ‘Mayonnaise, as you probably know, is a pretty basic sauce. And I mean basic as in fundamental, not basic as in, like, boy, you are so basic.’”
• Joy Dolo: “[21:54] ‘No, it's not. It's true, Joy. It is true.’”
• Narrator: “[17:59] ‘The more we understand, the less we hate.’”

This episode of Forever Ago masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with historical exploration, transforming a simple condiment into a subject of rich cultural and culinary significance. Through engaging dialogue, expert insights, and interactive segments, Joy and Maya not only educate but also entertain, inviting listeners to rethink their relationship with mayonnaise.