About Food Around the World
Every culture builds meals from local ingredients, climate, history, trade, religion, technology, and family tradition. Different cuisines can meet nutritional needs using very different staple foods and cooking methods.
Staple Foods
Many cuisines are organized around a staple carbohydrate.
Learn MoreBeans and Legumes
Legumes appear in cuisines around the world.
Learn MoreFermentation
Microbes help create many traditional foods.
Learn MoreHerbs and Spices
Regional flavor often comes from plants used in small amounts.
Learn MoreCoastal Foods
Coastal regions often include seafood and sea plants.
Learn MoreRegional Produce
Climate shapes everyday fruits and vegetables.
Learn MoreFood Travels
Many familiar foods originated far from where they are now traditional.
Learn MoreRespecting Traditions
Nutrition does not require ranking cultures.
Learn MoreStaple Foods
Rice, wheat, corn, potatoes, cassava, millet, sorghum, and plantains provide energy and often form the center of meals.
Beans and Legumes
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas provide protein, fiber, iron, folate, and carbohydrates. They appear in soups, stews, spreads, and grain combinations.
Fermentation
Yogurt, cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut, sourdough, miso, tempeh, and other foods use bacteria, yeasts, or molds to change flavor and texture.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs, spices, chilies, garlic, ginger, citrus, and aromatic seeds create distinctive cuisines and can add strong flavor without much sugar.
Coastal Foods
Fish, shellfish, and seaweed can supply protein, iodine, selenium, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and other nutrients depending on the species.
Regional Produce
Tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, desert, and high-altitude regions support different crops and seasonal traditions.
Food Travels
Tomatoes and potatoes came from the Americas, many citrus fruits trace to Asia, and chilies spread worldwide after transoceanic exchange.
Respecting Traditions
Healthy eating principles can be applied within many cuisines. Cultural context makes nutrition education more accurate and useful.