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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

How did salt and pepper become the standard table seasonings?

Salt and pepper shakers

Why are salt and pepper considered the requisite table seasonings? Surely only salt is a seasoning. Wouldn’t it make just as much sense to substitute the black pepper for cumin, paprika or any other spice? Isla Weston, Lincoln

Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday.

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