Category: Food culture

The origins of vegetarianism are complex and do not point to a single moment of invention, with some of the earliest documented practices tracing back to ancient India more than 2,500 years ago. Its emergence was a multi-faceted process, independently developing across various societies for religious, ethical, and philosophical reasons. This diverse history reveals that abstaining from meat is not a modern trend but a deeply rooted tradition.

According to a 2023 analysis of the American Time Use Survey, the peak time for dinner across the nation is 6:19 p.m.. This national figure provides a broad overview, but many factors influence what is the average time Americans eat dinner, including geography, work schedules, and evolving post-pandemic habits.

According to OECD-FAO projections, global pork consumption is forecast to grow to 131 million tonnes by 2033, largely driven by developing nations. Examining what race eats more pork is complex, as dietary patterns are primarily shaped by cultural heritage, not race.

Since the 1970s, many food portions in the United States have increased sharply, a trend that has paralleled the rise in obesity rates. This phenomenon begs the question: why have portion sizes gotten larger, and what factors are responsible for this significant shift in our eating habits?

In Korea, the word for cooked rice, *bap* (밥), is often used as a greeting, with people asking 'Have you had rice?' instead of 'How are you?'. This reveals the immense cultural importance behind why Koreans eat plain rice, viewing it not merely as a side dish but as the very foundation of a meal.

According to a 2020 YouGov survey, a massive 85% of British drinkers of Earl Grey and English breakfast tea add milk to their cup, but this practice is far from universal. Do people put milk and sugar in tea? The answer is a fascinating look into a variety of global tea cultures and individual preferences.

Food historians believe the bagel and cream cheese pairing was established by the early 20th century in New York City's Jewish delis, where it became a breakfast staple. The deep-seated cultural significance and compelling sensory experiences are just a few of the many reasons why people like cream cheese on bagels and have made it a beloved classic.

According to models of food classification, peripheral foods are defined as those eaten sporadically and reflecting individual food preferences rather than cultural staples. These are the special occasion items and personal indulgences that, while part of our diet, do not form its foundation. This article clarifies this definition and explores its context within broader nutritional frameworks.

According to a March 2024 report in *The Chosun Ilbo*, pork accounted for half of all meat consumption per capita, making it the most consumed protein in Korea. While chicken and beef are also popular, pork remains the clear favorite due to its affordability and versatility in Korean dishes. The highly preferred cut of pork is the fatty and flavorful pork belly, known as *samgyeopsal*, which is frequently grilled, stewed, and used in various other preparations.

According to a 2017 survey, nearly 10% of the Jamaican population self-identified as vegetarian, a figure heavily influenced by the Rastafarian 'Ital' diet.