A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark, leaf, or vegetable substance that is used for the purpose of flavor, color, or as a preservative that helps kill bacteria or prevents their growth.
The evidence of the use of spice by man dates back to 50,000 BC. The Spice trade formed in the Middle East as early as 2,000 BC with cinnamon and pepper. In the modern era in which we live the amount of spices at our availability is abundant. This has not always been the case in the past. In the ancient and medieval times spice was a rare and precious commodity. In fact spice played an important role in the development in Western civilization.
Not only do hot spices give your food the kick it needs but they also hold many health advantages. Hot food is proven to kill microbes and burn calories. Spicy food makes you feel hot and the body senses this and releases endorphins that make you feel good. Who knew that eating spicy foods could even be considered euphoric?
(I chose to do this report due to my love for hot food. I am especially fond of chili peppers. I felt it necessary to include this section)
Chili peppers can increase the heat of any dish. The Reason why chili peppers can be so hot is because they contain a chemical compound called capsaicin.
Capsaicin stimulates chemoreceptor nerve in the skin, especially in the mucous membrane. The more Capsaicin the hotter you get.
There are many different kinds of chili peppers. All peppers vary in size color and heat. The table that is most commonly used to discern the heat levels of peppers is called the The Scoville Scale.
History of Australia The first modern settlement in Australia was January 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip of England (Australia). Immigrants have heavily influenced the diets of today's Australians (Australia). Australian people have depended on the import of foods to survive since farming is so difficult (Australia). January 26th has been named National Day to remember the settlement of 1788 (Life in Australia). There are 2 sets of people who are indigenous to Australian land the Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders have lived on the island since before it was settled on in 1788 (Indigenous Australians). Lands and Water of Australia Australia is the smallest continent in the world it is surrounded by the Pacific and Indian Oceans (Australia). The island is dry and has little rain fall on average about 17 inches a year (Australia). The dry climate and scarce rainfall contributes to there being only about 6% of the land being suitable for agriculture (Life in Australia). Australia's population is approximately 21 Million (Life in Australia). Capitol is Canberra (Life in Australia) Surface area is 7.74 Million Square Kilometers which is said to be about the size of the US without Alaska (Life in Australia). The National language is English (Life in Australia). The major trade partners are Japan, China, US, Singapore, UK, and Korea (Life in Australia).
Culture of Australia Meeting Etiquette . Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed. . A handshake and smile suffices. . While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner. Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?' . Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting Gift Giving Etiquette . Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbours on birthdays and Christmas. . Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer! . If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated. . Gifts are opened when received. Dining Etiquette . Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ). . Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat! . Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a large party. . Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish. . Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. Watch your table manners! . Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. . Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right. . Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating. All retrieved from (Australia-Culture, Customs and Etiquette).
Recipes from Australia Native Plants and Animals of Australia Refrences "Australia" Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of Foods and Recipes of the World. Ed. Karen L. Hanson. Vol. 1. Detroit: U*X*L, 2002. 19-28. 4 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. WNCLN. 19 Mar. 2009 . “Life in Australia” Australian Government: Department of Immigration and Citizenship. http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book/english/lia_english_full.pdf “Indigenous Australians” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Australians http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/australian-wildlife.html
Victor Aquilina ND310 3-13-09 Mexican Food Authentic Mexican food is believed to be derived from the Mayan Indians from Mexico. They were typically hunter gatherers and there staple foods consisted of maize, which is corn which they would make into tortillas, and bean paste. The Mayans also hunted wild game, ate fish, and tropical fruits. As the Mayan Empire started to decline the Aztec Empire began to take power. Located in modern day Mexico City the Aztecs were a very wealthy civilization. The Aztecs introduced honey, chocolate, chili peppers, and salt into their cooking, while keeping intact the Mayan staple foods. Much of the wild game that the Mayans hunted was now domesticated, such as the turkey and duck. In 1521 Hernando Cortez and his Spanish Conquistadors landed in Mexico searching for gold. They soon invaded the Aztecs and took control of Mexico. With the Spanish came different kinds of meat and produce. New livestock that was introduced was meat such as sheep, pigs and cows. They also brought different spices, garlic, and wheat. What we believe to be Mexican food in America is not exactly Mexican food. Many dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, and nachos are dishes which were created by other races. Also there is Tex-Mex food which takes food from both Texas and Mexico and implements them into dishes. Much of what we see today is how many different cultures have came into Mexico and left a footprint on their food.
The region of Scandinavia, or also referred to as Nordic which is the Scandinavian countries with the addition of Iceland , which consist of Sweden being the largest county, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. These four countries are in Northern Europe surrounding the Baltic and North Sea and suffer unbearably could winter conditions. The region is also incredibly diverse consisting of large quantities of coastal regions, flat plains and then a substantial amount of mountainous region. Therefore, the food throughout this area differs greatly depending on what type of area you are in. The people of this region pride themselves in several things; however, two of the most pronounced are their food and culture. This area was also home to the Vikings long ago.
The Costal area has been and will continue to be reliant on fish, oysters, muscles, squid or any other thing that they can harvest from the sea to meet their food needs. This is a significant portion of their daily diet in coastal regions and has been. However, with modernizations such as refrigeration seafood has become a moderate portion of the daily diet for those that live in the mountainous regions far from the coastal regions of the Baltic or North Sea.
Though they may have their subtle difference Christmas is a large festive holiday for all the countries of this area consisting of hearty meals and cultural festivities. The reasoning for such a large celebration in late December, which actually is not because it is Christmas but actually is based on regional celebration called Jul or Yule. ““Jul” or Yule, was celebrated long before Christianity came to Scandinavia. At that time it was an observation of the winter solstice, that from then on the days would become longer and darkness gradually recede. It was a celebration of light returning. The word “jul” or Yule means “the change” of “the feast of feasts”, with reference to midwinter reveries celebrated around new years” ("Scandinavian Christmas Traditions"). Jul is extremely important in Scandinavia because of how far north the area is located, being above the rest of Europe their nights are longer and darker, so this celebration is different than anything else you will find in Europe. Even though Christianity spread to Scandinavia and destroyed cultural events, like it did everywhere, they have managed to hold onto a little portion of the heritage (I know this is real because I celebrate it and this was instilled in me by my family) Christmas day is not what people of Scandinavian decent celebrate, if they still keep the faith, but it is Christmas Eve. In essence we still celebrate the night because this is more important to us than Christmas day and it can be seen in the gatherings. Children open Christmas gifts on this night, large dinners are held and everyone seems to come together.
Today Christmas dishes belong to the different countries; However, I see the main dishes that these countries have as Scandinavian because the boundaries for each of these areas have changed but they all go back to when it was Scandinavian territory. “In Norway: roast rib of pork with sauerkraut is served … boiled cod is served in the south, and lutefisk is served in the north. The specialty of the west is pinnekjøtt (stick meat), a dried, salted, and sometimes smoked rib of lamb … served with mashed turnips. Boiled potatoes accompany all the aforementioned dishes. In Sweden julskinka (Christmas ham) is obligatory, but it is only one of the dishes served at an expanded smörgåsbord. Swedes eat lutefisk and rice porridge during the Christmas period. … and a special hard Christmas bread that is a little softer than the crisp rye knäkkebröd”(Ember and Ember 566). Fish and meat are the main focus of these meals and it can be seen that there is some regional differences among this main item it is not that different. The accompanying items seem to be more diverse; however, this can be explained by taking into account the different climates of the regions, as well as the terrain that each country possesses to grow its crops.
Works Cited
Ember , Melvin , and Carol R. Ember. Countries and Their Cultures Volume 2. 3rd ed. New York : Macmillan Reference, 2001.
"Scandinavian Christmas Traditions." Scandinavian Christmas Traditions. 10 Mar 2009 .
There was plenty of mead and plenty of food, indulging in a sort of magic of plenty. It was believed that it would ensure prosperity and plenty for the coming year. The “yule night” was loaded with supernatural powers when even the animals could speak. http://www.scandinavianchristmastraditions.com/
The high point of the Scandinavian season is not Christmas Day, but Christmas Eve. This part of Scandinavian Christmas Traditions too may have to do with darkness. Coming to dinner through streets wrapped in darkness, having the door of welcome opened and yellow light suddenly streaming out into the dark - this belongs to Christmas in Scandinavia and is in keeping with Scandinavian Christmas Traditions.
Take a look at the painting Julegilde (Christmas Feast) by Lars Jorde. The original painting hangs in Norway's National Gallery in Oslo. It shows a house lit up from within, with glowing lights in every window, people taking their leave (or are they just arriving?) at the door, sleds parked outside in the snow. The atmosphere is unmistakable. As true a depiction of Scandinavian Christmas Traditions as you are likely to see. http://www.scandinavianchristmastraditions.com/
Something that got the name of one of the countries in this region out was a muppet. The chef in this cartoon show was Swedish and is famous for staying Swedish meatballs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY_Yf4zz-yo
A map of Scandinavian Region
Fish caught on the coastal regions are put into jars with spices and oils to flavor and preserve them.
A traditional ham that would be served during the yule celebration.
An example of a Swedish Smorgasbord
Coming together of people to celebrate the yule celebration.
Well maybe Fast Food Kills is a little dramatic…in moderation like everything else fast food can be “ok”.
FAST FOOD IS FAST AND EASY!
The American culture is built around speed and efficiency. Hectic schedules allow for poor diets and plenty of fast food.
When you’re in a hurry and need to get something to eat most people choose the drive-thru but if you think first you can make a healthier option.
Next time you are in a rush think about the risks of fast food and use this information to make a healthier choice!
UN-NUTRITIOUS FOOD REIGNS
At many fast-food restaurants, a single meal gives a disproportionate share—sometimes more than 100 percent—of the recommended daily intake of fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar
Not just adults are being affected by the un-nutritious foods being served at fast food restaurants, their children and children all over America are becoming obese at a very young age.
IT’S CHEAP!
Taco Bell Value Menu
Cheesy Roll Up- 200 Calories &10 grams of fat
Triple Layer Nachos- 340 Calories & 18 grams of fat
High Sugar and High Fat foods are cheap, usually cheaper than healthy foods.
Have you ever noticed at McDonalds you can get a burger, fries, and coke for about $3.00 but the salads are $6.00? This doesn’t make sense.
However, the biggest hidden cost of Fast Food is the high pri
ce of bad health.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HAS DECLINED
A decrease in physical activity plus the added fast food children are consuming is contributing
greatly to the obesity crisis in the United States.
Adult obesity has increased from 15 to 33 percent in past tw
enty-five years according to the CDC.
But much more disturbing is the rate childhood obesity is growing. Children ages 2-5 have jumped from 5 to 14 percent, children 6-11 have jumped from 6.5 to 19 percent, and children 12 to 19 have jumped 5 to 17 percent.
SERVING SIZES ARE HUGE!
Increased portion sizes not only in food but in plates, cups, and bowls call for increased calories and encourage us to eat more.
It also distorts appropriate food quantities. Along with a sedentary lifestyle this has contributed greatly to America’s increased size of our people.
Pizza Slice- was 500 calories now is 850 calories
Cup of Coffee- was 45 calories now is 330 calories
Movie Popcorn- was 270 calories now is 630 calories
HERE’S A QUICK GUIDE TO HELP YOU MEASURE PORTIONS
Baseball- measures one portion of fruit or vegetables
Deck of Cards- serving of meat, fish, or poultry
Golf Ball- quarter of a cup of dried fruits or nuts
Tennis Ball- about ½ cup of ice cream
Compact Disc- one small pancake or waffle
Six Dice- serving of cheese
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Build more walking and biking paths
Regulate TV food ads aimed at children
Mandate Pro-Nutrition messages
Ban fast foods and soft drinks from schools
Restructure school lunch programs and include healthier foods
Subsidize healthy foods
Drive down prices of fruit and vegetables
Add a “fat tax” to discourage consumption of poor foods
Most every country around the world serves different types of food at weddings.The food is very important in some traditions.Certain foods symbolize a meaning, such as happiness.In this paper I am going to talk about the foods eaten at weddings in China, Morocco, and Italy.
The first country I decided to do research on was China.When a couple in China gets engaged, they send out Chinese biscuits called call cakes.This is an announcement for their upcoming marriage.On the day of the wedding a large 10 to 12 course dinner is prepared for family and friends.Shark’s fin soup is a popular dish at Chinese weddings.The soup normally comes after the appetizer.It symbolizes wealth because it is a very expensive food; normally cost about $150 per quest.Families will go all out for the daughter or son because it is a special event that takes place in their life.Another popular food served is roast suckling pig.The roast suckling pig represents virginity.The groom will put forth the pig to the bride’s family to show his love for their daughter.The family will be very accepting of the groom knowing that he will cherish their daughter for the rest of his life.Peking lobster is another important food at Chinese weddings.The lobster is red and the color red means happiness.The lobster represents joy and celebrations for special occasions such as a wedding.If the lobster is served with the head and the legs still on it then completeness is symbolized.Squab is a pigeon with tender meat that means peace.Normally 2 pigeons are offered to the newlyweds to bring peace for the beginning of their life together.Vegetables with sea cucumbers are also part of the meal.Serving this meal can be a sign of selflessness because sea cucumber to the Chinese traditions sounds like good heart.This would wish the newlywed to think in the same way, which would be to avoid conflict.Lastly, a cake to specially designed and prepared for a dessert at the end of the meal.As you can see, each dish that is prepared in China has some type of meaning that wishes the new married couple good luck in the rest of their lifetime together.
Morocco was the second country I picked to research wedding foods.Fish and chicken are considered the main dish at the wedding party.They are a symbolization of fertility.Tajine is a dish that many family and friends appreciate.It is a chicken stew mixed with almonds, apricots, onions, and other spices that is served with pita bread.A famous marriage soup is also served, it is called dugun corbasi.It is made of lamb meat.Bstilla is another popular dish.This is made from dove, lamb, couscous, almonds, and raisins.Fruit bowls are also bring importance because some Moroccan families grow and sell fruit to other countries in Africa.As a dessert sweets and almonds are served to show the young female that she is welcomed by into the family from her new female relatives.In Morocco wedding preparation for the actual passage can take about seven days and is a feast for the family and friends.
The last country I chose was Italy.Meals are a big part of the Italian lifestyle.They are passionate about food and eating, much of their socializing is done during this time.Just like other countries there is a lot of preparation done for wedding ceremonies.Since Italy is known for pasta there is always some type of pasta at a wedding party.Steak pesto pasta is a common dish served for weddings.Also, a roasted baby pig or lamb followed be wanda, which is bow ties of fried dough dipped in powered sugar is popular in this country.During the dinner, women will sip of marsala wine and men will drink stronger grappa.As a dessert confetti is served.Confetti is sugar covered almonds, which we consider Jordan almonds.The almonds are a representation of the bitter and sweet of life that the newlyweds have in store for them.There almonds sometimes will be thrown at the newlyweds as they leave the wedding party.
China, Morocco, and Italy have their own wedding traditions just like every other country does.Weddings are a special time for people and most of the time there is much preparation for the big wedding day.Foods will be served that have a good meaning and good luck for the newlyweds so that they will have a good life together.
Sources
-Heine, Peter. Food Culture in the Near East, Middle East, and North Africa. London: Greenwood Press, 2004.
-Long-Solis, Janet, and Luis Alberto Vargas. Food Culture in Mexico. London: Greenwood Press, 2005.
-Newman, Jacqueline M.. Food Culture in China. London: Greenwood Press, 2004.
-"Wedding Customs: Traditions From Around the Globe." Wedding Customs. 1997-2009. The Knot Inc.. 23 Mar 2009 .
