Hej everyone!

As an avid bookworm, my natural habitat is in the libraries of the world, where I satisfy my hunger for books. During one of my last visits, I found a vegan cooking book. However, this cooking book is special, as it was published in 1983. Naturally, I had to borrow and read it.

Originally, the book was published in 1982 by Leah Leneman in English. It was translated by Helle Drescher with a foreword by Kirsten Jungsberg (founder of Veganerbevægelsen, an early Danish vegan movement). I find it very interesting that many arguments and reasons for veganism discussed in the book are the same as today (animal welfare, world hunger and environmentalism).

During reading one quickly realises that it was a different time. This can also be seen in the introduction, where plant based alternatives for dairy products are discussed. These can be found in health food shops and are produced by companies like Nutana, Planmil or Caroba, many of which have been forgotten for many years by now. The brand Granovita still exists tho, standing as a lasting reminder of a bygone era. The available product range was modest to say the least, as one could only choose between soya milk and soya pudding. That’s it. The 1980s vegan despaired by this lack of available products is helped by this book, as it contains recipes for vegan yoghurt, cream, cheese and tofu, that still is referred to as “sojabønneost” (soya bean cheese).

Many of the recipes in the book are relatively simple, but I have not tried any of them yet. Maybe I will give you an update in a few days.

All in all, the book is an interesting relic from a time where the term “veganism” was foreign to most people, especially in Denmark. A time in which the product range and availability of vegan products was limited to non-existant. No matter if it is our history as a country, people, organisation or movement, we should remember our roots and origins. Only that way, we can learn from past mistakes and shape a better tomorrow.