How did the food trend change?
Exploration. India had the spices, China had the tea, and those who went to remote places began to trade. However, much of the food we eat today originated in the Americas. The Pilgrims may have brought the turkey to the first Thanksgiving, but it was the Native Americans who showed up with the pumpkins, corn, beans, and sunflowers. While the potato may have saved the Irish from famine, it was Native Americans who first grew it.
Refrigeration. Although invented in 1805, refrigerators didn’t become a must-have appliance until after World War II, when the average home could afford one.
Suddenly, food can be transported from one area or country to another. New Zealand roast lamb became a delicacy in England. It was fashionable to serve imported exotic food to impress guests.
Fast food. Then the trash hit the scene in a big way. The origins of the hamburger have been passed through the meat grinder and many claim to have invented it. And it became fashionable, so people flocked in that direction and hamburgers appeared everywhere.
People went from eating organic food to eating what Jamie Oliver exposed as MacDonald’s pink slime that processed unfit meat into hamburgers. Hmm
Then there is the hot dog. It’s basically the scrapings from the slaughterhouse floor stuffed into a condom with enough preservatives to last forever.
Local, ecological and seasonal
How local is local? Take a look at the farmers markets. But just because oranges don’t grow in Fargo, does that mean people should stop eating them? Supermarkets have their uses.
Organic is gaining momentum in certain circles. In 2002 the United States Department of Agriculture got involved. Translated, that means red tape, paperwork, and permits to ensure there are no pesticides or antibiotics in the product. The advantage is that it prevents men who eat chickens from developing man boobs.
In season it means that fruits and vegetables are fresh. Then again, they may have been sitting in the supermarket for two weeks and being doused with H2O three times a day.
Fortunately, in a democratic society, people can make a decision about what they want to eat. Local, organic or pink slime – for the consumer.
The last question
What will be the next gastronomic craze? Very popular in Southeast Asia, a trend suggestion that is local, organic and seasonal is insects (grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, wasps) as they are pure proteins. And it may well be the next delicacy.
