Hot and Spicy Foods

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.

Food and Culture of Australia

Food and Culture of Australia
By: Alissa Oates

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

Mexican Food

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.

Bibliography
http://www.world-food-and-wine.com/mexican-food-history.html

Scandinavian Food

Grant Newman

Section 4

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 .

Pictures Citation in order as they appear

http://www.wall-maps.com/Countries/scandanavia-over.htm

http://www.foodfromsweden.com/default.aspx?id=82&pageid=72

http://www.foodfromsweden.com/default.aspx?id=82&pageid=72

http://www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/culture/lifestyle/food.html

http://www.scandinavianchristmastraditions.com/northernyule.html

Scandinavian Christmas Traditions

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.

Fast Food Culture in America

Allison Mueller

Section 5

WHAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING??

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

Cheesy Double Beef Burrito- 460 calories & 20 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

Healthy Fast Food Choice Ideas

http://www.apa.org/

http://www.mcspotlight.org/

http://www.catalogs.com/info/bestof/top-10-facts-about-fast-food-and-culture

http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/

http://www.worldwatch.org/

http://www.mcdonalds.com/

http://www.tacobell.com/

http://www.fastfood.com/

Food and Culture in Thailand

Mandesa Miller

Section 4

Regions in Thailand:

Nam Prik Yum
















Gaeng Som













Som Tam









Kaom Jeen










Food presentation is very important to Thai people














Typical Thai Meal








Jasmin Rice, a staple in Thai Cuisine

Wedding Foods Around the World

Lindsay Miller

Section 5

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 .

Food Cultures of Birthday Celebrations!

Kaci Daugherty

Section 4

Here in the United States, birthdays are somewhat of a big deal. In most places we celebrate with a cake topped with candles representing our age, ice cream and in certain situations other sides such as chips and dip or candy may be present. We all love birthday cake but why does it represent our birthday? Originated in Greece, the cake was baked round symbolizing a full moon. The candles used to top the cake were representative of the moons glow. The full moon represented new life just like a birthday.

Although there are many places that have rituals that differ from ours, many countries have some of the very same traditions.

In Egypt lots of people are invited to birthday parties. Since so many people will be present, two cakes are used to feed everyone. One with candles keeping in line with our customs and a second with no candles as it is just extra food and not the main event. The host also serves cookies, sesame sticks and small French bread sandwiches for all of the party goers.

In the Netherlands a cake is also served. Candles are used to represent the persons age as well. The person having the birthday is also served powdered sugar topped pancakes and taartjes, which are tarts with filling, along with lemonade or hot chocolate.

In Panama and Mexico they celebrate birthdays with a cake and ice cream, and parties there are most similar to the United States. In Israel, a cake representing the child’s interest is used in place of a regular cake. These shapes range anywhere from soccer balls, to ballerinas and more.

Uruguay and Sudan also celebrate with a birthday cake topped with candles! In Sudan they also have pizza and drink a red punch called Karkady which is made from hibiscus flowers!

In Canada they have homemade birthday cake (which is always the best) covered with colored sugar sprinkles. A coin is wrapped and place in between the layers and the person to find it will be first in all of the games played at the party!

Along the lines of customs we are used to, Norway is quite close. At a birthday celebration there is a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting served along with red gelatin and vanilla sauce!

My favorite place to think of when I think Birthday Food is Nigeria! They go all out for birthdays, but only if you are turning 1, 5, 10 or 15! A whole roasted cow or goat is most commonly served to the birthday guests along with a side of ‘jollof rice’ which is a simple mixture of rice, tomatoes, red peppers, onions and cassava (something like a sweet potato.) Yum!

India likes to do things big as well! The birthday party consists of a spicy vegetable stew of curry and chutney. Dudh Pakh is also served. This dessert is a rice pudding like dish mixed together with pistachios, almonds, raisins and a spice called Cardamom.

Going even further away from our well known tradition of the U.S., Korean children celebrate their first ‘birthday’ party only 100 days after birth! Since death at a young age is very common, these are the crucial days of a child’s life, so when they make it without being sick a huge celebration is held! Rice cakes are handed out to everyone because it is believe that if 100 people celebrate by eating them the child will live a long life. Wine, and red and black bean cakes coated with honey or sugar are also present. If the child makes it to their first birthday, this ritual is repeated!

Long life is also very important Hong Kong. A birthday celebration there consists of a meal simply made of extra long noodles for the birthday person to symbolize the hopes of having a long life!

In Ecuador an afternoon Tea party is most common! Hot chocolate, Tea cookies and raisin cakes are also served. In Ecuador they celebrate the Saints birthday in which a person is named after rather than the person’s real birthday! No Fun!

In England, instead of regular birthday cakes, the person celebrating receives a fortune telling cake instead! This is supposed to represent good fortune in the future!

Another interesting place is Ghana. On the morning of your birthday you would wake up to a breakfast of ‘oto.’ This is a patty mixture of sweet potatoes and eggs! Later in the day you would attend your party where you would have a main course of stew and rice and finish the day off with a dessert of Kelewele, which are fried plantain chunks (similar to a banana.)

In Australia they have Barbeques, which is also a common theme during the summer months here in the United States. At the event Fairy Bread is served which is buttered bread topped with sprinkles! Sounds pretty interesting to me!

China celebrates with simple fortune cookies.

Great Britain is also similar to the United States in its celebration tactics, but also possesses wild traditions like other places I have researched. In Great Britain a person having a birthday will celebrate with a cake and candles just like the United States! They also have chocolate biscuits, Jelly and Ice cream (which is Gelatin and Ice Cream covered in tiny balls of colored sugar) and Squash to drink, which is orange or lemon flavored Kool-aid made from syrup instead of powder! Talk about something unusual!

Although there are many other places I haven’t covered that celebrate birthdays the tradition lives on. Even places like Saudi Arabia and Serbia have their own traditions. Due to religious reasons NEITHER of these places recognizes a person’s birthday. I wouldn’t want to live there!
As you can see people all over the world celebrate, or don’t celebrate birthdays in their own way. Each way is different from another but they are all accepted and all very interesting!












Works Cited
http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/cel/birthday_celebrations.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/recipes.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/africanbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/australianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/brazilianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/canadianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/chinesebirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/dutchbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/ecuadorianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/egyptianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/englishbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/ghanianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/greatbritainbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/hongkongbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/indianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/israelibirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/koreanbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/nigerianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/norwegianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/panamabirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/saudiarabianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/serbianbirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/sudanesebirthdays.htm
http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/usabirthdays.htm

http://www.birthdaycelebrations.net/uruguayianbirthdays.htm

The Slow Food Movement

Kirsten McKeel

Section 4

General Information

- In 1986, Carlo Petrini of Italy founded the Slow Food Movement

- Terra Madre (the first was in 2004) is an international convention in which people (including food producers) gather to strengthen this movement.-

-Today, there are 100,000 members of the movement worldwide, in 1,000 chapters

- There are 200 chapters in the United States

Philosophy of the Movement

- Food should be enjoyed and celebrated

-Our food should be nutritious for us and impact the environment positively

- Healthy, enjoyable food should be available to everyone. Producers of food should be treated fairly (monetarily and socially) for their work.

Education

- Connect people to the source of their food through education

– One initiative of the movement is to create school programs in which children are involved in growing their food

§ Here is a link for a video about “edible schoolyards” http://multimedia.slowfood.it/index.php?method=multimedia&action=zoom&id=24096

– The movement also wants to educate adults about the sources of their food.

§ When we understand the sources of our food, we become co-producers

Why the Slow Food Movement is so Important

- Through education, people become more conscious of all aspects of their food – the

producers, nutritional values, etc.

– In our prevalent culture, we are not mindful of the exact origins or ingredients of our food. This means that we are unaware of suffering, small farms or maltreated animals and workers.

– We eat what is perceived to be convenient, regardless of content, which includes a huge variety of additives, such as pesticides, growth hormones, large amounts of sugar and salt.

- Slow Food is nutritious. So, eating Slow Foods will automatically cut down on many of our society’s health issues, including obesity and diabetes.

-Slow Food practices are better for the environment.

– Local food means no factories or large machinery (less pollution, exhaustion of soil, etc).

– We produce less waste (fewer landfills) because nothing is overproduced or over-consumed.

The Slow Food Movement helps build community.

– Communities work together to co-produce food.

– People connect more during the enjoyable consumption of food

Sources

http://www.slowfood.com/

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2003-11-25-slowfood_x.htm

http://www.slowfoodasheville.org/index.htm

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/30/MNGBRM2HL51.DTL

http://www.sallybernstein.com/food/single-articles/slow_food.htm