Chapter 7 The Foods You Eat
203
Cultural and Social
Influences
Another strong influence on your choice
of food is your ethnic or cultural heritage.
When people talk about their culture, they
often describe special foods that are part of
their background. Throughout the world,
people enjoy foods that reflect their local
cultures. In England, people might dine on
fish and chips. In Italy, pasta dishes are part
of the culture. In the Middle East, people
often eat hummus, which is a food made
from chickpeas. See 7-3.
A wide variety of foods is part of the
culture in the United States. People from
many different cultures contributed these
foods. Native Americans were one of
these cultural groups. Hundreds of years
ago, Native Americans raised corn, beans,
pumpkins, and squash. These foods are
still part of the culture in the United States.
Each cultural group that settled in the United States brought its own
eating habits and food customs. For instance, people from China brought
the cooking technique of stir-frying. People from Mexico brought foods
such as tacos and burritos.
Sometimes people could not find foods from their
culture. Therefore, they adapted available foods to
their ways of cooking. They also created new ways
to prepare these foods. For instance, French
people in Louisiana developed Cajun cooking.
As the United States grew, many people
moved from one region to another. They
again brought their food customs with them.
As a result, you can now find many cultural
foods throughout the United States.
Traditions
are customs passed from one
generation to another. Family traditions affect
foods children learn to like and enjoy. Typical
breads on your family table may be bagels,
biscuits, or tortillas. Special meats, fish, or baked
goods may be prepared for family celebrations.
Some families adapt traditional foods to meet
the changing likes and dislikes of family
members. Some families and individuals
follow vegetarian meal patterns. See 7-4.
Cultural Influences and
Food Choices
Some of the foods your family eats
may relate to your culture. They may be
foods your relatives brought from another
country. The region where you live is also
part of your culture. Some of the foods
you enjoy may be special to your region.
Southern fried chicken and New England
clam chowder are examples.
Bring a special family food to class
and have a tasting party. Along with the
food, include a brief summary of the origin
of the food and the recipe. Bring enough
copies of the recipe to share with the class.
Social Studies Link
Borscht, a beet soup, is popular in
Russian culture.
7-3
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Chapter 7 The Foods You Eat
203
Cultural and Social
Influences
Another strong influence on your choice
of food is your ethnic or cultural heritage.
When people talk about their culture, they
often describe special foods that are part of
their background. Throughout the world,
people enjoy foods that reflect their local
cultures. In England, people might dine on
fish and chips. In Italy, pasta dishes are part
of the culture. In the Middle East, people
often eat hummus, which is a food made
from chickpeas. See 7-3.
A wide variety of foods is part of the
culture in the United States. People from
many different cultures contributed these
foods. Native Americans were one of
these cultural groups. Hundreds of years
ago, Native Americans raised corn, beans,
pumpkins, and squash. These foods are
still part of the culture in the United States.
Each cultural group that settled in the United States brought its own
eating habits and food customs. For instance, people from China brought
the cooking technique of stir-frying. People from Mexico brought foods
such as tacos and burritos.
Sometimes people could not find foods from their
culture. Therefore, they adapted available foods to
their ways of cooking. They also created new ways
to prepare these foods. For instance, French
people in Louisiana developed Cajun cooking.
As the United States grew, many people
moved from one region to another. They
again brought their food customs with them.
As a result, you can now find many cultural
foods throughout the United States.
Traditions
are customs passed from one
generation to another. Family traditions affect
foods children learn to like and enjoy. Typical
breads on your family table may be bagels,
biscuits, or tortillas. Special meats, fish, or baked
goods may be prepared for family celebrations.
Some families adapt traditional foods to meet
the changing likes and dislikes of family
members. Some families and individuals
follow vegetarian meal patterns. See 7-4.
Cultural Influences and
Food Choices
Some of the foods your family eats
may relate to your culture. They may be
foods your relatives brought from another
country. The region where you live is also
part of your culture. Some of the foods
you enjoy may be special to your region.
Southern fried chicken and New England
clam chowder are examples.
Bring a special family food to class
and have a tasting party. Along with the
food, include a brief summary of the origin
of the food and the recipe. Bring enough
copies of the recipe to share with the class.
Social Studies Link
Borscht, a beet soup, is popular in
Russian culture.
7-3

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