Chapter
Evolution of In-Flight Meal Trays
09:50 - 12:41 (02:50)
A food historian shares how Pan American Airways tested single compartment foil tray meals in their kitchens and how he added two more compartments to create the modern-day in-flight meal tray.
Clips
Jerry Thomas, the salesman, is known as the inventor of TV dinner.
09:50 - 11:16 (01:25)
TV dinner
Summary
Jerry Thomas, the salesman, is known as the inventor of TV dinner. He traveled to Pittsburgh and stole a single compartment foil tray from Pan American Airways' kitchen to create a three-compartment tray for Swanson company's TV dinner.
ChapterEvolution of In-Flight Meal Trays
EpisodeSelects: The Stories Behind A Few Food Fads
PodcastStuff You Should Know
In the 1950s, the invention of the TV dinner changed American culture and cooking habits.
11:16 - 12:41 (01:24)
TV Dinner
Summary
In the 1950s, the invention of the TV dinner changed American culture and cooking habits. Jerry Thomas, an employee at Swanson, came up with the idea of a frozen meal complete with turkey, potatoes, gravy and peas that did not touch each other, inspired by the compartmentalized trays used on airplanes.