Research a food that is common to many cultures
For this project, you will research a food that is common to many cultures. Topics will be chosen from the approved list below. You will present a history of the food from an anthropological/historical point of view. For a food topic, you will describe traditional uses in the cultures where it is used, including symbolic uses of the food, historical importance, and any restrictions on the use of the food. You will also discuss changing uses of the food in the modern world due to immigration and globalization.
Food Culture Research Paper
For this project, you will research a food that is common to many cultures. Topics will be chosen from the approved list below. You will present a history of the food from an anthropological/historical point of view. For a food topic, you will describe traditional uses in the cultures where it is used, including symbolic uses of the food, historical importance, and any restrictions on the use of the food. You will also discuss changing uses of the food in the modern world due to immigration and globalization.
Food Topics
1. Wine
2. Beer
3. Rum
4. Whiskey
5. Hot Peppers
6. Rice
7. Corn
8. Cassava
9. Sugar
10. Chocolate
11. Coffee
12. Tea
13. Honey
14. Cinnamon
15. Cheese
16. Wheat
17. Bread
18. Soy
19. Fruit (choose one)
20. Tomatoes
21. Garlic
22. Butter
23. Ice cream
24. Basil
25. Thyme
26. Ketchup
27. Olive oil
28. Ginger
29. Peanuts
30. Vanilla
31. Potatoes
32. Others with
instructor approval
Your paper should include the following information:
History of the food (where, when was it first used; how did its use spread; other pertinent anthropological/historical details)
Uses of the food in 3 different countries.What are indicative dishes: why is this food important in these dishes?
How is this food consumed in this country?
If a beverage: how is it made or consumed? What is the symbolic importance of this food to the cultures you have chosen?
Current usage of the food such as consumption habits (include changes due to
immigration/globalization or other, use by immigrants to US)
o What are current health associations are there with this food? (You can compare this to any changes in its health perception over time, if applicable.)
o Any changes in farming or production?
o How is it being consumed differently or is the consumption the same today?
presentation of the information you have found in researching the topic. Do not
include personal opinions or preferences (write in 3 rd person)
Answer preview:
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