by Jane Norman,

FACS Educator & World Traveler

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International Foods

• The Culture & Cuisine of:
• Latin America
• Mexico, Central America, South America & the Caribbean.
• British Isles
• England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland & Scotland.
• Western Europe
• France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Greece & Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland).

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Influencing Factors

• What factors influence the cuisine of different cultures?
• Land
• Religion
• Cultures & Lifestyles
• Economics

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Land

• Surrounded by water?
• Seafood is available.
• Warm climate?
• Fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown year around.
• Cold weather?
• Root vegetables and wheat are grown.
• Grasslands?
• Grain products and beef are available.

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The food that is available and bountiful in a particular region of the world will determine part of a person’s diet.

Religion

• Hindus do not eat beef.
• Muslims do not eat pork; also they fast during Ramadan.
• Jews follow dietary restrictions to "keep kosher" (the laws of kashrut).
• Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent.

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Cultures

• Countries throughout the world have a mix of ethnic groups that have influenced their cuisine.
• Early explorers brought their foods, traditions, and eating habits with them.

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Lifestyles

• Families in these areas are traditionally close-knit. Children helping parents at home with the care of the family and providing an income is often needed.
• Old & new economies and technologies have influenced lifestyles. Industry, businesses and skyscrapers in contrast to rural farming.
• Great wealth and great poverty creates lifestyles of contrast.

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Economics

• A country’s economy influences food production and availability.
• Family income influences what types of foods are prepared by the income available.
• Purchasing locally grown food is convenient and economical.

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Latin American Region

• Mexico
• Central America
• South America
• Caribbean

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Latin American

• Early history was dominated by three native cultures.
• Aztec
• Incan
• Mayan

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Mexico

• Characteristics of Cuisine:
• Corn, beans, and peppers are grown locally and are staple ingredients.
• Vegetables, fruits, and protein foods such as meat and seafood are used to create flavorful dishes.

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Mexican cuisine has developed from an abundance of native foods and the influence of the Aztec and Spanish population.

Mexican Foods

• Corn: since Aztec civilization, corn has been the basis of Mexican cuisine.
• Tortillas: made from cornmeal and water.
• Tamales: made from corn husks.
• Beans:
• Numerous varieties
• Most common bean dish is frijoles refritos (refried beans).
• Peppers:
• 30 different varieties from mild to hot.

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Mexican Foods

• Tacos:
• Folded tortillas filled with meat, beans, vegetables, and a spicy tomato sauce.
• Tostados:
• A crispy fried tortilla spread with the same ingredients used in tacos.
• Enchiladas:
• Flour tortillas rolled around meat, beans, cheese, and topped with salsa and grated cheese.

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Central America

• This region is where �the early Mayan Empire flourished.
• The cooking has Mayan and Aztec Indian origins with Spanish and Caribbean influence.

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Central America

• Characteristics of Cuisine:
• Rice, corn, red and black beans, and fruits and vegetables are locally grown.
• Chicken is prepared in a variety of ways with pineapple, pumpkin and tomato sauces.
• Fish is abundant and used in soups, stews, and main dishes.

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Central American Foods

• Chayote:
• Crisp, delicately flavored vegetable that is often sliced and simmered.
• Red Beans & Rice:
• Cooked with a spicy salsa.
• Plantain:
• Starchy food that looks like a large green banana.
• Fish Stew

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The Caribbean

• These tropical islands have a rich heritage starting with Columbus, who landed there when he was looking for the spice route to India. Later came the Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, British, and French.

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The Caribbean

• Characteristics of Cuisine:
• A mix of all the island nationalities’ cooking styles with the following common ingredients:
• Rice
• Fish & shellfish (surrounded by water)
• Fruits & vegetables (grow in abundance)
• Chili peppers
• Coconut milk

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Caribbean Foods

• Moros y Christianoz:
• The Cuban national dish made with black beans and rice.
• Djon-djon:
• Black mushrooms found in Haiti.
• Jamaican Saturday Soups:
• Carrots, hot peppers, turnips, and pumpkin added to beef stock.
• Seafood:
• Cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with chili peppers.

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South America

• South America is the southern half of the western hemisphere.
• Native South Americans were the Incas, who settled in the Andes Mountains and were known for their advanced farming and building techniques.
• The Spanish invaded the area in search of gold. Later came the Europeans and Africans. All have contributed to the culture and cuisine of South America.

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South America

• Characteristics of Cuisine:
• Potatoes, beans, wheat and corn are the staple foods in much of South America.
• The northern countries grow an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
• The common meats are chicken, sheep, goats, guinea pigs, and beef.

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South American Foods

• Feijoada:
• National dish of Brazil made from black beans, smoked sausage, beef, pork, onions, rice, greens, and sliced oranges.
• Churrasco:
• Marinated, grilled beef.
• Mariscada:
• Fish stew.
• Empanadas:
• Meat and vegetable turnovers (pies).
• Tortillas de Maiz:
• Corn pancakes.
• Platanos Tumulto:
• Broiled bananas.

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Applying What You’ve Learned

• Create a travel poster for one of the countries covered. Identify the geography of the region as well as the highlights of the local cuisine.
• Design a menu for a complete meal in one of the countries covered. Research what beverages, appetizers, main dishes, bread and desserts would be typical for the country and include them in your menu.
• Find a recipe for one of the country dishes covered in a magazine or on the internet. Prepare the dish for your family and write a review about it.

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Choose one of the following activities to complete outside of class.

Check Your Knowledge

• Name three factors that influence a country’s cuisine.
• Give two examples of how land/geography influences a country’s cuisine.
• Give two examples of how culture & lifestyles influence the cuisine of a country.
• List two characteristics of South American Cuisine.
• List two characteristics of British Cuisine.
• Choose a country in Western Europe and describe what factors have influenced its cuisine.

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Web Resources

• www.bpe.com (Food - ethnic cuisine)
• www.cuisinenet.com (lower right -“Cuisines of the World”)
• www.e-commkitchen.com (Recipes – scroll down to country)
• www.globalgourmet.com (Departments - “Global Destinations”)
• www.wtg-online.com (Click on a country, then choose “Social Profile”)
• www.foodtv.com (left column “Escapes” – choose a region)
• www.about.com (Food & Drink — world/regional cuisines - left hand column “subjects”) Warning: This site has unwelcome pop-up ads, but does have educational content.
• www.lonelyplanet.com (general info about climate/topography and other quick statistics)
• For recipes of the country try:
• www.recipesource.com (“SOAR” Searchable Online Archive of Recipes — classified by type or by country)
• www.recipegoldmine.com (Home and Family – Cooking and Recipes)

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Please note that web addresses are constantly changing and being updated. You may need to revise this list.