Category: Cultural cuisine

Over 50% of the world's population relies on rice as a dietary staple, and in many cultures, particularly in South India, it is often mixed with yogurt to create a nourishing and beloved dish. The reasons people eat rice with yogurt are a fascinating blend of historical tradition, nutritional science, and regional climate adaptation.

Studies have shown that deep-fried foods can significantly increase fat and calorie intake, leading many to ask: is halwa puri unhealthy?. This iconic South Asian breakfast is a high-fat, high-carb dish, and its health impact depends largely on preparation and frequency of consumption.

Packed with powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins, blue corn offers a vibrant alternative to its yellow and white counterparts, providing both a distinctive nutty flavor and impressive health benefits. This deep indigo grain is more than just a colorful curiosity; it is a food deeply rooted in centuries of Indigenous tradition throughout the Southwest and Mexico.

Across Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and West Africa, deep-fried bananas are a beloved street food, cherished for their crispy exterior and sweet, soft interior. While raw bananas are known for their health benefits, the frying process introduces new flavors, textures, and nutritional considerations. From classic fritters to caramelized versions, the world offers many ways to enjoy fried bananas.

During the Great Depression, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese sold over 8 million boxes in one year, demonstrating its instant success as an affordable and nourishing meal. This surge in popularity revealed just one facet of why this humble pasta dish holds such a significant place in our culture.

While many Westerners discard them, banana peels are consumed by various cultures worldwide, where they are valued for their nutritional content and culinary versatility. This practice is a long-standing tradition in many regions, serving as both a source of nutrients and a means of reducing food waste.

According to FAO data, China is the largest absolute consumer of fruit, while regions near the equator often lead in per capita consumption due to local abundance. Several cultures and regions globally are known for their high fruit diets, often linked to climate, tradition, and wellness.

According to the non-profit organization Oldways, the African Heritage Diet is a powerful nutritional model, rich in plant-based ingredients and whole grains, that has sustained generations across the African diaspora. This approach to eating is defined by a focus on foods like leafy greens, tubers, legumes, and lean proteins, offering a vibrant and healthful path to eating. The Afro diet is not about a single origin, but a collection of culinary traditions spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and the American South, all of which prioritize fresh, local, and minimally processed ingredients.

According to a 2013 New York Times report, a study revealed that Old Order Mennonite communities showed lower levels of the chemical BPA in their bodies, partly due to less consumption of packaged foods. This finding prompts a closer look at whether Mennonite food is healthy, examining its reliance on fresh, unprocessed ingredients alongside its traditional high-fat dishes.

Originating from a German brew known as `malzbier` in the early 20th century, the Malta drink has evolved into a beloved non-alcoholic staple across Latin America and the Caribbean, known for its sweet, molasses-like flavor.