Diversity at the Table

Diversity at the TableHow Food Affects LifeWhat is CultureA set of customs, traditions, and beliefs shared by a large group of people. LanguageDressGovernmentReligionRace

The US is Multicultural

Immigration and migrationAs people move around the world they carry their culture with themAssimilation So what is ethnic?Something that is typically associated with a particular culture

DiscussionWhat are some example of ethnic items?Food and CultureCuisinea cultures representative food and the specific technique for preparing it.ReligionImportant cultural influenceReligious offeringsFastingBurial ceremoniesHolidaysCustomsCorn on cob and hot dogs on 4th of JulySymbolism attached to food productsHeart shaped chocolatesFamilyHas great impact on the foods people eat and how they eat themPlay a role in traditions and special occasions Birthday traditionsReligious purposesMelting Pot vs Tossed SaladNative Americans Early explorersImmigrants from Europe and AsiaAfrican Slave TradeColonization

Influences on Cuisine and CustomsGeographyEconomicsForeign AffarsReligionTechnology

Geography

Geography Determined DietGrowing conditions of soil determined what people ateStaple FoodsCrops Protein sourcesDiscussion?What are typical staple foods of the Midwestern United States?

EconomicsWealthy class ate differently than the poorFresh fruits and vegetablesBaked bread and CakeMarie Antoinettes famous quote that sent her to the guillotineThis is where our meat names come fromChicken vs. PoultryPig vs. PorkCow vs BeefDeer vs. Venison

Poor classEdible odds and endsOxtails, pigs feet, headcheeseOrgan meatsLiver, heart, gizzardsPeasant foodsMeatloaf, soups, puddings, mashed potatoes

Emergence of Middle ClassProsperousBlended the food products of the wealthy class in a responsible manner Fish stewsBeef stewsBaked breadOat, rye, wheatDiscussion?What are some economical ways that we use food to create affordable cuisine?Foreign ContactsImmigration introduced foreign foods to the USBagels and cheesecakeExploration offered new food productsPeanuts, potatoes, chocolateWar brings about new techniquespastryTechnologyFrom fire to refrigerationCooking techniques changed due to preservationCooking with nitrogen and suvee cookingMarket demandFat replacementArtificial sweetnerSimilarities in CuisinePreparation methodsSocial Meanings

Maintaining Food CustomsRetaining customsChanging customs