Environments, Religions, and Cultures Produce Different Foods

It may be difficult to find that your culture enjoys the foods from other cultures. Several cultures eat the same foods, however, they are not prepared in the same manner. Some places enjoy salty foods over sweet foods and then other places may enjoy spicy foods over bland foods. Also religion plays a significant part in what people eat.

This can be seen in Africa versus the United States. In Africa more people enjoy salty foods because of the environment. A person's body perspires more when in a hotter climate and looses sodium chloride and urea. These chemicals are obtained through the salt intake from the foods eaten. Sweating is the main function of the body for cooling itself. Also urocanic acid in sweat can protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In the United States the environment is not as hot as in Africa, so the need for extra salt in the diet is not as essential. Thus Americans enjoy sweet foods over salty foods. They need the caloric intake to provide a little extra insulation in the colder weather climate.

Likewise when Mexico and England are put into comparison you will see that it is not so much on health, but on availability. In Mexico chilies are eaten with most meals. This is a spicy to super hot vegetable that is abundant for Mexico. Whereas, in England people tend to not use seasonings to give zest to their foods, they prefer a more bland taste.

The dominant religion in Africa is Muslim at 72%. The food traditionally eaten varies, however, after Ramadan cake is enjoyed by most. This day after Ramadan is considered a feast day or celebration for Muslims. Whereas, in the United States between 77% and 91% are Christian. The feast day that is most celebrated there is Christmas and Easter. Both of these celebrations are celebrated with large meals including ham, turkey, or duck. Also both have a variety of sweets to eat. In Mexico Christianity contributes to 83% of the population. In Mexico Christmas and Easter are both celebrated with a food called Tamales. While in England the Christian population is approximately 92%. The majority of these people celebrate these holidays with a food known as plum pudding (minced pies).

All of these foods are based on religion and environment. However, when you look at the same item it is cooked different ways based on specific cultures. In Africa I found that a dish made with sheep stomach, tomatoes, herbs and spices was prepared the same way all over this continent. It had different names, however, it was still prepared the same way. It was called pache, michoui, and kashah. In Mexico the stomach is prepared a different way because of the culture is vastly different. In Mexico it is prepared as a soup known as meundo. This is made with cow stomach, hominy, red chili sauce and spices. In the United States the stomach is made differently and is most popular in southern foods. Known as tripe, it is boiled and then battered then fried. Lastly there is England, Scotland being the orgin of this food known as haggis. This is sheep stomach that is stuffed with oatmeal and other organs.

Any way you look at foods, the main goal for any person is the nutritional value that is derived from the foods eaten. Parents are very concerned with what their children eat and so they feed them as their parents fed them before. Thus passing down through the generations the cultural foods that they have grown up with. Foods that have proven themselves as great components for the growth and development of the human body.