FOOD - history and culture

FOOD - HISTORY and CULTURE

I. HISTORY

French people are always proud of the best way of cooking. Because of the advanced climate and soil in France, farmers produce fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, and meat nearly all year-round, so they are able to have variety meals daily. Also, France is known as one of the best countries providing best wine in the world because of special tastes of grapes ( grapes are main fruit grown in this country), so wine is a part of French people's meals.

Food and alcohol are so important in French society.

II. FOOD

1. Food of the French

The baguette - a long, thin loaf of crusty bread- is a main part of every meal. Baguette is eaten in variety of ways and it is used to make sandwiches. Cheese, also, is a part of a meal.

2. The regions of France

France is divided in many regions and each region, the French have their particular food.

_ In Brittany( Northwestern of France), native people always have their breakfast with crepes( thin pancakes) and cider.

_ In Alsace region( Eastern of France near Germany), their best dish is cabbage - pieces of sausage, called la choucroute.

_ The French, who live in Loire River Valley, usually eat the Loire fish found in Loire river.

_ In the Coast of France, seafood is plentiful, such as: mussels, claims, oysters, shrimp, and squid, so visitors love to enjoy different kinds of seafood dishes.

3. Mealtime customs

_ At home, when hosts have guests come to their houses, they usually serve their guests with main meal including salad, dish with meat, cheese with bread, and dessert. French wine is often served at lunch time or dinner time.

_ Eating out is a social occasion, a leisurely activity. As a result, French people enjoy eating in restaurants, and eating out is parts of their lives. One thing that visitors should know about this country is restaurants in France are more formal than in America. Also, waiters are rarely tipped because the tip is added to the bills, so visitors shouldn't be worried about that. Taking leftover is considered impolite.

4. Typical eating habits

French people usually have three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch is an important meal, so businesses and schools are closed at lunch hour. If you visit France, I think you will be happy with the life here because people aren't rush at lunch hour.( I wish that American people had chances to enjoy lunches like French people.)