Mediterranean Food History
Food History of Mediterranean Cuisine
What is the geographical location of the Mediterranean and why it would have an affect on the Mediterranean cuisine? (i.e., what is the Mediterranean's weather condition and what do they eat mostly, etc.).
Although the list of Mediterranean countries encompasses some of the oldest national cultures of the world, the so-called Mediterranean diet has gotten much popular recent press, because of its supposed contribution to an individual's longevity -- today, all people wish to be as long-lived as the influence of the countries that spawned the diet and enjoy the lowered risk of a heart attack the Mediterranean food and lifestyle supposedly conveys! However, the adaptation of the Mediterranean diet was a product of necessity, not a carefully controlled decision by the populace of the region to live longer and to create the perfect diet. (Barry, 2005)
All of the Mediterranean countries and climates are very hot and dry. This makes the cultivation of wide stretches of grassland for grazing animals very difficult. Thus, dairy products from hardy goats and sheep were a commonest source of protein, along with poultry and lamb. Such animals require less grassland and can survive on rocky, uneven terrain and be herded, rather than put out to pasture like cattle -- a particular advantage for transient Bedouin and Arab cultures. For nations such as Greece, located near the sea, fish is another staple of the regional diet. Little red meat is eaten from cattle-grazing cows in all Mediterranean nations, but while Italians eat pork salami, Muslim culture forbids the consumption of pork. This is a dietary factor in Turkey and other Islamic-dominated nations. ("Best of Sicily," 2005)
Olive trees are hardy enough to survive the desert, thus olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source for the region. A long growing season and rather mild climate makes the climate particularly favorable to wine-producing grapes and edible oranges, the latter of which is of the proudest exports of Sicily. Overall, there is a high consumption of fruits, vegetables,...
Food History There are two liquids especially agreeable to the human body, wine inside and oil outside." Pliny There is an inscription in Egyptian characters on the pyramid which records the quantities of radishes onions and garlic consumed by the laborers who constructed it." Greek historian, Herodotus, describing his visits to the pyramids at Giza. Few foods hold as an esteemed position in Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle as garlic and olive oil. Now that modern
Food History-Swiss The Food History of Switzerland's Cuisine What is the geographical location of Switzerland and why it would have an affect on the Switzerland cuisine? (i.e., what is Switzerland's weather condition and what do they eat mostly, etc.) The famously neutral nation of Switzerland is located in the center of Europe. According to the official Swiss Tourist Board, this "landlocked, mountainous" quality of nation has given the country its unique identity, not
Geographical Location of Italy and Its Effect on the Italian Cuisine Italy is located in the Northern part of Europe and is geographically separated from other European countries by high mountains. Mountains occupy quite a portion of the country that create and provide magnificent valleys, forest, plains, rocks, and foothills. The Mediterranean coastlines similarly add to the beauty of Italy. Moreover, Italy has a variety of weather conditions. These geographical features
Anyone can virtually make wine out of grapes. The quality of the grapes is the first and most important feature in the wine production and only after that are there other factors involved that influence the final product. Standage considers the first distinction between Eastern and Western thught and civilization closely linked to the attitude the two cultures from two opposite regions of the globe had when it came to
Some say that there are over 350 Italian local bread types. Similarly Pasta is also key ingredient in food items. Antipasto, primo, secondo and dolce are main courses in Italian meal. Antipasto comprises appetizers which can be served hot or cold. Pasta is usually included in the primo, or soup and pasta course. Secondo is the main meal and is usually fish or meat. Beef or Veal is most
The French in particular, as they are to this day considered to be one of the greatest losers of the war (and the most important battle field of the war) were in desperate need of men to reconstruct the country. Therefore, the immigration policies changed and allowed for an increase in the labor force flow. More precisely, "due to a perceived demographic insufficiency and labor market needs, the French government
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now