<< History of Curry
Although there are many opinions about the origin of the "Japanese Curry" [more on that, in a minute], it seems most certain that India is the home of curry. The proof is that the origin of the word "curry" which means "soup" can be traced to Tamil language in South India. Another strong clue is that Budda (Shaka) was the first to cook curry. Indian legend says that Buddha (Shaka) taught people how to mix nuts and fruits. The use of curry first became popular as a miraculous way to achieve eternal youth and longevity. Only later was it used as a seasoning. Some legends say that miraculous element was called "Coorry", and others that the area which Budda (Shaka) fist evangelized was called "Curry".
Whatever its origins were, the use of curry was quickly spread from the Indian continent. In the European middle ages, spice was used as a preservative for meats and for medicinal effect rather than for seasoning. Spices were then imported from Asia. Wars broke out as nation's scrambled to control regions of the spice production. Such regions were colonized.
In those days, India was governed by England as spices were brought back to the homeland; England reproduced the curry imported from the Indian. There were records of curry recipe in a cookbook of 1747. In the early 19th century, "Curry Powder", as we know today, became available in the market place and it became popular by the late 19th century. By then it had also spread to France and even further to Japan. In this connection, the originator of this curry powder was the company of the Close & Blackwell (C&B).
>>