Why Do Appetizers Exist?

Appetizers have been served in nearly all cultures. Historians believe this practice evolved quite naturally after we set aside our hunter-gatherer lifestyle and became sedentary; perhaps an instinctive evolution of our grazing days, when small bites of fruit and nuts indeed set the tone for the long-awaited real meal.

What is the purpose of appetizers?

An appetizer is meant to compliment an entrée and is generally a small-portioned first course of a multi-course meal. Appetizers are meant to whet the appetite before the following courses. Appetizers connote that a dinner will follow.

What is the history of appetizers?

History of Appetizer

Appetizers were originally introduced by the Athenians as a buffet in the early third century B.C. They would serve sea urchins, cockles, sturgeon, and garlic. However they were unpopular to start as these tiny meals weren't followed up with a main course, leaving everyone hungry and wanting more.