Food Culture in the Pacific Islands

Food Culture in the Pacific Islands
Author :
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages : 281
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780313344930
ISBN-13 : 0313344930
Rating : 4/5 (930 Downloads)

Book Synopsis Food Culture in the Pacific Islands by : Roger Haden

Download or read book Food Culture in the Pacific Islands written by Roger Haden and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2009-08-10 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The food culture of the Pacific Islands has been determined by isolation from the rest of the world. Original immigrants from Asia brought their foods, animals, and culinary skills with them, then for several thousand years, they were largely uninfluenced by outsiders. The tropical climate of much of the region, unique island geology and environmental factors also played a role in the evolution of islander cuisine, which is based on unique ingredients. The staples of breadfruit, yams, taro, coconut, sweet potato, and cassava are incorporated into a cuisine that uses cooking and preservation techniques unique to Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Today, food culture in the Pacific is largely one of extremes. Although traditional foods and cookery survive and are highly valued, Westernization has meant that the overall diet of islanders has been negatively transformed and that islands are net importers of unhealthful foods. Ironically, the tourism industry has re-engaged islander people in food production and boosted their sense of identity. Students, food mavens, and travellers will find this to be a stellar introduction to the current culture of the Pacific Islands, with discussion of Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand included. Chapter 1, Historical Overview, offers a fascinating chronicle of the evolution of a food culture of extremes, of isolation, climate, environment, and Western influences. Chapter 2, Major Foods and Ingredients, introduces a host of traditional tropical manna as well as imported products. The Cooking chapter discusses the truly unique cooking styles of the islands, such as steam-baking in the ground in an umu (oven). Chapter 4, Typical Meals, largely explores the emphasis on the ubiquitous processed foods. A Regional Specialties chapter reveals both pan-regional dishes and the noted local dishes. Chapter 6's Eating Out discussion shows the new acceptance of the individualist, recreational ritual of eating away from the community. The typical life-cycle food rituals are covered in the Special Occasions chapter. A final chapter on Diet and Health highlights the increase in Western diseases arising from diet and lifestyle changes and discusses timely food security issues as well. Recipes are interspersed throughout, and a timeline, glossary, selected bibliography, and photos round out the coverage.


Food Culture in the Pacific Islands Related Books

Food Culture in the Pacific Islands
Language: en
Pages: 281
Authors: Roger Haden
Categories: Social Science
Type: BOOK - Published: 2009-08-10 - Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The food culture of the Pacific Islands has been determined by isolation from the rest of the world. Original immigrants from Asia brought their foods, animals,
Cheap Meat
Language: en
Pages: 225
Authors: Deborah B. Gewertz
Categories: Business & Economics
Type: BOOK - Published: 2010 - Publisher: Univ of California Press

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Gewertz and Errington unpack the aspirations and anxieties, calculations and controversies that inhabit an inexpensive cut of fatty meat. Following the trail o
Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
Language: en
Pages: 818
Authors: Craig R. Elevitch
Categories: Gardening
Type: BOOK - Published: 2006 - Publisher: PAR

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"This book is for the person who lives in the tropics or subtropics and is interested in native plants, who wants to know about plants that are useful, who love
These Roots Remain
Language: en
Pages: 328
Authors: Nancy J. Pollock
Categories: Social Science
Type: BOOK - Published: 1992 - Publisher:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The author finds that food comprises a carefully categorized set of symbols that help determine thought and action in Pacific societies. Food is a culture patte
Me'a Kai
Language: en
Pages: 493
Authors: Robert Oliver
Categories: Cooking, Pacific Island
Type: BOOK - Published: 2010 - Publisher: Godwit

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Winner of the 2011 Best Cookbook at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards. The cuisines of the South Pacific island nations are noted for their sensational use of coconu