Food Culture

Food is the fundamental way the earth nurtures all species. Since the beginning of time, people have been dependent on the natural cycles of plant growth and animal migration in order to sustain their culture.
Today in the U.S., we see the opposite taking place more prevalently. We have established our people throughout the U.S. and have relied on both farming technology and food imports to provide us with copious amounts of food throughout the year. We can yield tons of corn each season and have access to bananas in December. While it is great to be able to have whatever food you may want at any time, a detrimental mindlessness is a consequent of this modern food system. People do not realize how agribusiness rapes the land, the chemicals required to make it possible, the carbon footprint of shipping foods around the world, and the workers that are exploited in the process in order to cheaply provide this food to us. We are no longer in touch with the earth natural cycle and thus its bounties are not as appreciated by most.
Different ways of preparing food, recipes, staple ingredients, etc. are elements that define culture. What nurtures a people is worth celebrating and honoring, and thus a food culture emerges. Appreciating food is a way for people to come together with their community and with their land. In New Orleans, there is a very strong food culture. The food and the recipes are unique to the area and people seem to be more shaped by their food regimen. Fro example, red beans and rice Mondays, Spring crawfish boils, and fish on Fridays. In this way, the food maintains an essence in the culture.
Eating locally, organically, and appreciatively is a way to preserve food culture that so importantly brings people together. Eating locally helps to identify with the roots of your area while reducing your carbon footprint. Eating organically helps to treat yourself, the insects, and the birds with a standard of health. And most importantly, appreciating your food; understanding where it comes from, how the dish has evolved to come to your plate, and how it identifies you with a culture.