Culinary Chronicles: Traveling Through Taste

When we think of food, it’s often seen as a necessity-a source of energy, but it’s much more than that! It’s a cultural connector, and can even be a form of art. Food has a way of telling stories whether it’s a traditional dish that's been passed down through generations or a unique twist on modern culinary dishes. Take the taco, a popular dish in Mexican Cuisine. Although it may seem simple with a tortilla filled with delicious ingredients like beans, meat, spices, etc., it has a history. The use of maize or corn was used by the Aztecs thousands of years back and the vegetables, spices, etc. originated through colonization, trade, and migration. In today’s world, tacos can be found everywhere from street carts to gourmet restaurants.  

Photo from Google Images

Craving Connection: Why we love what we love 

Why do we crave certain foods? Our biological mechanisms play a role in the food that we eat. For instance, our fondness for sweetness was hardwired from birth since sweetness signals mean energy-rich nutrients. On the other hand, bitter tastes indicate toxins in nature, which is why some people have an aversion to bitter-tasting foods.

Our environment also influences our food preferences. For instance, households that eat a lot of spicy food will develop a higher tolerance for it compared to other people.  Research has shown that the more we are exposed to a certain flavor, the more we tend to like it. However, it’s not just taste that is important, presentation also matters!

Food as an Art Form

Whether it’s the use of bright colors or a theatrical experience for an Insta-worthy shot, food has evolved into an art form. For instance, molecular gastronomy is a style of cooking where chefs use scientific techniques to transform the simple act of eating into a dining experience; this could be anything from turning liquid into spheres with intense flavors, or foams with a dramatic flair. With the influence of social media, the perfectly swirled latte or the meticulously arranged vegetable rolls are not just about taste but about creating a visual experience. 

Photo from Google Images: Molecular Gastronomy

Food is a part of who we are; it’s the flavors that remind us of a comfort meal or take us back to a memory. So the next time you sit down for a meal, take a second to consider the history, flavors, and emotion told through the dish because every bite tells a tale!