#Quinoa history

[foodandfolklore]

Quinoa; It's Beautiful Story and Tragic History

Quinoa is one of those foods that has made it's way into modern food trends. It seems to have exploded out of nowhere. It fits many diets as it's low carbs, vegan, gluten free, and a complete protein. Is this superfood newly engineered by scientists? Nope. It's actually one of the oldest staple foods of the Americas. So why isn't Quinoa as common as Potatoes and Tomatoes?

If you've never had Quinoa, it's a seed that is eaten like a grain. It's small and round, coming in a variety of colours. Tan, Red, and Black are most common. It can be ground into a flour, but it's most commonly eaten by boiling like rice. It tastes like a slightly nutty rice and I quite enjoy it. That's assuming you get the coating off.

Since I live in Canada, most Quinoa that's bought comes prewashed. This is because Quinoa has a protective coating over it to help keep pests away. This invisible coating is very bitter and soapy, thus it needs to be washed off. But this coating is one of the things that makes Quinoa so resilient. It can grow basically anywhere. Flat lands, highlands, mountains, dry lands; it's absolutely astounding how a crop this nutrient dense can grow so easily.

And the Indigenous populations of the central Americas knew this. Quinoa was the backbone of their diet. It allowed their people to thrive, their children to grow up strong, new mothers to lactate and provide milk for their young; It was a gift from the Gods. They worshiped Quinoa and regularly laid out offerings to the beings who gave it to them.

So when European colonizers first came to the Americas, they saw how important Quinoa was to the Inca locals. And they didn't like that. Some of them didn't like the religious aspect, and thought it inappropriate they were worshiping false Gods. Others saw how healthy and strong the food made them and felt threatened. So the colonizers set out to destroy Quinoa and the culture around it. They tore up fields, destroyed offerings, and placed a Ban on Quinoa eating and worshiping. It's pretty pathetic how threatened someone can feel from food, but sadly it worked. And it wasn't just Quinoa, they abolished cultures, other foods they didn't like; we are missing so much and it physically hurts me to think about.

But, we have Quinoa today. This is because Quinoa can grow anywhere so some natives took some seeds and climbed high up into the mountains. They cultivated the quinoa there and it was eaten mainly by locals. Until the 1970s when some American students of a Bolivian Mystic and Philosopher brought the grains back to the US after eating the food on the regular. A while after, it took off in popularity.

Kitchen Uses

As mentioned, Quinoa is a good substitution for rice. I actually just cook mine in a rice cooker. You always want to cook Quinoa at a 1 to 2 parts ratio. 1 part dry Quinoa to 2 parts Water (Or other liquid). You can eat it hot or let it cool and use it as a base for a salad. Try mixing it with some diced cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, mint, parsley, feta cheese, and a little olive oil and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, easy fresh salad.

I love using Quinoa in cooking and Kitchen Magic. It has the Nick name Mother Grain and it's just so nourishing. Quinoa is great at Absorbing Negativity and Promoting Health. Since it can grow in almost any kind of environment, this promotes Adaptability, Overcoming Obstacles, and Growth. It's also known for it Abundance, Spirituality, and Fertility properties. But don't forget, it's also a seed, so New Ideas and New Beginnings. You take advantage of colour magic and black Quinoa, so not only will it Absorb the Negativity, but Also Ward and Banish.

Mythology

Finding an actual story about Quinoa has been tricky. I have found many shortened summaries of mythology and stories, but not a beat for beat retelling. Which I feel is important. But I found a video of an Andean man telling the story of how we first got Quinoa. I encourage you to watch the Video, but I'm also going to write the story down in case the Video is taken down one day. I've added in some of my own words based on the visuals used.

Tradition has it that the Aymara people used to talk to the stars. Since that time, it has been told that nearby Titicaca Lake and it's fields started producing their first crops. However, in the night, someone would come to the fields and rip up the potato plants growing there.

There was a young man who guarded the fields by the Lake. One night he wanted to surprise the potato thief. So he brought a loud hand bell with him, and stayed up through the night watching the potato fields.

It was here that several young women showed up in the fields. The young man heard someone digging up potatoes so he went to investigate. The young man stayed hidden and pushed back the tall crops to see three young women gathering potatoes.

The young man stood high and rang the warning bell. Startled, the women fled; however, one of them tripped and fell, and he captured her. It was a cold night, so the young man offered some clothes off his back to keep her warm while they waited. She smiled at him for his kind gesture.

The bell had awoken the villagers and they were on their way to get the potato thief. They sounded angry and ready to take out their rage on the potato thief. The young man grew concerned for the women, but she simply handed him back his garment.

And so it was that the young woman turned herself into a bird and flew away to where her companions, the other stars, lived. The young man was flabbergasted and couldn't explain to the other people what had happened.

The next day, he went in search of the Condor [A type of Vulture] so that it could carry him to the stars that had taken flight off the Earth. He had to climb high, high up a cliffside mountain to get to the Condor. But once there the Condor stretched his wings and became large enough to ride.

The Condor bore him to where the young star was. High up to a beautiful land covered in golden crops called Quinoa. The young man reunited with the woman star and they enjoyed each other's company, running through the fields of Quinoa.

She lived with the young man and fed him Quinoa. Yet there came a day when the young man wanted to return to the Earth to see his Parents. So he got on the Condor to fly back home. Before leaving, the star gave him Quinoa to take back to his people. Then the Condor flew off.

As the young man came back to earth on the Condor, he scattered the Quinoa as he went. The seeds planted themselves into the soil and grew into new Quinoa plants on Earth.

From then on, Quinoa has been grown in order to feed the Andean people. Yet it was unheard of by the rest of humanity. Quinoa is life. Quinoa is hope. Quinoa is the past. Quinoa is the present. And Quinoa is the future of mankind.

[lionheartlr]

Discover Bolivia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

A Glimpse into Bolivia’s Rich History Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, boasts a diverse and rich history. It was originally inhabited by ancient civilizations, including the Tiwanaku and the Inca Empire. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, leading to centuries of colonial rule. Bolivia gained independence in 1825 but has since experienced a turbulent political…

[dsharma-world]

Recipe of quinoa salad

The history of quinoa salad can be traced back to ancient times in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain-like crop that has been cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Andes for thousands of years. It was considered a sacred food by the Incas and was an essential part of their diet. Quinoa was highly valued for its nutritional properties and was often…

[ladywellcare111]

Eating Quinoa After An Abortion For Fast Recovery

Quinoa After An Abortion For Fast Recovery: #quinoa,quinoa #health #benefits,quinoa #recipes,how #to #cook #quinoa,health #benefits #of #quinoa,healthy #quinoa #recipes #for healthy #dinner,health,healthy #recipes,quinoa #salad,health

Incorporating quinoa after an Abortion into your diet can be beneficial for fast recovery. Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that offers several advantages to support your body’s healing process during this time. Quinoa provides sustained energy to help replenish your strength and support tissue repair. The quinoa promotes healthy digestion and regulates bowel movements, which can be particularly…

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Reference: Food History

B.C.

10,000 - almonds, cherries, bread, flour, soup

8,000 - wheat ⚜ 7,000 - wine, beer, pistachios, pig, goat, sheep, lard

6,500 - cattle domestication, apples ⚜ 6,000 - tortilla, dates, maize

5,000 - honey, ginger, quinoa, avocados, potatoes, milk, yogurt

4,000 - focaccia, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates

3,200 - chicken domestication ⚜ 3,000 - butter, onion, garlic, apricots

2,737 - tea ⚜ 2,500 - olive oil, seaweed, duck ⚜ 2,300 - saffron

2,000 - peaches, liquorice, marshmallow, pasta, ham, sesame seeds

1,500 - chocolate, vanilla ⚜ 1,200 - sugar ⚜ 1,000 - mangoes, oats, pickles

900 - pears, tomatoes ⚜ 700 - cinnamon ⚜ 600 - bananas, poppy seeds

500 - artichokes ⚜ 400 - pastries, appetizers, vinegar

300 - parsley ⚜ 200 - turkeys, asparagus, rhubarb ⚜ 65 - quince

1st—13th Century

1st Century - chestnuts, lobster, crab, shrimp, truffles, blueberries, raspberries, capers, kale, blood (as food), fried chicken, foie gras, French toast, omelettes, rice pudding, flan, cheesecake, pears in syrup

3rd Century - lemons ⚜ 5th - pretzels ⚜ 6th - eggplant

7th Century - spinach, kimchi ⚜ 9th - coffee, nutmeg

10th Century - flower waters, Peking duck, shark's fin soup

11th Century - baklava, corned beef, cider, lychees, seitan

12th Century - breadfruit, artichokes, gooseberries

13th Century - ravioli, lasagne, mozzarella, pancakes, waffles, couscous

14th—19th Century

14th Century - kebabs, moon cakes, guacamole, pie, apple pie, crumpets, gingerbread

15th Century - coconuts, Japanese sushi and sashimi, pineapples, marmalade, risotto, marzipan, doughnuts, hot dogs

16th Century - pecans, cashews (in India), Japanese tempura, vanilla (in Europe), fruit leather, skim milk, sweetbreads, salsa, quiche, teriyaki chicken, English trifle, potato salad

17th Century - treacle, pralines, coffee cake, modern ice cream, maple sugar, rum, French onion soup, cream puffs, bagels, pumpkin pie, lemonade, croissants, lemon meringue pie

18th Century - root beer, tapioca, French fries, ketchup, casseroles, mayonnaise, eggnog, soda water, lollipops, sangria, muffins, crackers, chowder, croquettes, cupcakes, sandwiches, apple butter, souffle, deviled eggs

19th Century - toffee, butterscotch, cocoa, Turkish delight, iodized salt, vanilla extract, modern marshmallows, potato chips, fish and chips, breakfast cereal, Tabasco sauce, Kobe beef, margarine, unsalted butter, Graham crackers, fondant, passionfruit, saltwater taffy, milkshakes, pizza, peanut butter, tea bags, cotton candy, jelly beans, candy corn, elbow macaroni, fondue, wedding cake, canapes, gumbo, ginger ale, carrot cake, bouillabaisse, cobbler, peanut brittle, pesto, baked Alaska, iced tea, fruit salad, fudge, eggs Benedict, Waldorf salad

20th Century

1901 - peanut butter and jelly ⚜ 1904 - banana splits ⚜ 1905 - NY pizza

1906 - brownies, onion rings ⚜ 1907 - aioli

1908 - Steak Diane, buttercream frosting ⚜ 1909 - shrimp cocktail

1910 - Jell-O (America's most famous dessert)

1910s - orange juice ⚜ 1912 - Oreos, maraschino cherries, fortune cookies

1912 - Chicken a la King, Thousand Island dressing

1914 - Fettuccine Alfredo ⚜ 1915 - hush puppies

1917 - marshmallow fluff ⚜ 1921 - Wonder Bread, zucchini

1919 - chocolate truffles ⚜ 1922 - Vegemite, Girl Scout cookies

1923 - popsicles ⚜ 1924 - frozen foods, pineapple upside-down cake, Caesar salad, chocolate-covered potato chips

1927 - Kool-Aid, s'mores, mayonnaise cake ⚜ 1929 - Twizzlers

1930s - Pavlova cakes, Philly cheese steak, Pigs in blankets, margaritas, banana bread, Cajun fried turkey ⚜ 1931 - souffle, refrigerator pie

1933 - chocolate covered pretzels ⚜ 1936 - no-bake cookies

1937 - Reubens, chicken Kiev, SPAM, Krispy Kreme

1938 - chicken and waffles ⚜ 1939 - seedless watermelon

1941 - Rice Krispies treats, Monte Cristo sandwiches ⚜ 1943 - nachos

1946 - chicken burgers, tuna melts, Nutella ⚜ 1947- chiffon cake

1950s - chicken parm, Irish coffee, cappuccino, smoothies, frozen pizza, diet soda, TV Dinners, ranch dressing ⚜ 1951 - bananas foster

1953 - coronation chicken ⚜ 1956 - German chocolate cake, panini

1957 - Quebec Poutine ⚜ 1958 - Instant ramen noodles, crab rangoon, lemon bars ⚜ 1960s - beef Wellington, green eggs and ham, red velvet cake

1963 - black forest cake ⚜ 1964 - Belgian waffles, Pop Tarts, Buffalo wings, ants on a log, pita bread ⚜ 1965 - Gatorade, Slurpees

1966 - chocolate fondue ⚜ 1967 - high fructose corn syrup

1970s - California rolls, pasta primavera, tiramisu ⚜ 1971 - fajitas

1975 - hicken tikka masala ⚜ 1980 - turducken

1980s - Panko, portobello mushrooms, bubble tea, chicken nuggets, Sriracha, Red Bull energy drink, everything bagels

1990s - artisan breads, Jamaican jerk ⚜ 1991 - turkey bacon, chocolate molten lava cake, earthquake cake ⚜ 1993 - broccolini

1995 - Tofurkey ⚜ 1997 - grape tomatoes

21st Century

2002 - flat iron steak, tear-free onions ⚜ 2007 - Kool-Aid pickles, cake pops

2008 - Mexican funnel cake ⚜ 2013 - cronuts, test tube burgers

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[secular-jew]

Fish and Chips’ Surprising Jewish History. Jamie Oliver confirmed it!

You may be surprised to learn that fish and chips, though wildly popular in England for what seems like eternity, was actually a specialty of the Portuguese Sephardic Jews who fled the Inquisition in the 16th century and found refuge in the British Isles. Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver referred to this recently in an article in the New York Times, adding that, “Dishes evolve, impacted by trade, war, famine and a hundred other forces.”

Among those “other forces” are dishes born of religious ritual. For observant Jews, fish is pareve, a neutral food in kosher terms, thus an easy way to avoid treyf (non-kosher food) and possibly include dairy in the same meal. It was especially important for Marranos, the so-called crypto-Jews, who pretended to be Christian during the Inquisition. They ate fish on Fridays, when meat was forbidden by the Church, and also saved some to eat cold the next day at lunch, to avoid cooking on Shabbat.

Frying was natural for Jewish home cooks — think of latkes and sufganyiot — and as the Jewish community began to flourish in England, it spurred a taste for its beloved fried, battered fish throughout the country. According to Claudia Roden’s The Book of Jewish Food, Thomas Jefferson tried some on a trip to London and noted that he ate “fish in the Jewish fashion” during his visit. Alexis Soyer, a French cook who became a celebrated chef in Victorian England included a recipe for “Fried Fish, Jewish Fashion” in the first edition of his cookbook A Shilling Cookery for the People (1845). Soyer’s recipe notes that the “Jewish manner” includes using oil rather than meat fat (presumably lard), which made the dish taste better, though also made it more expensive.

There’s some dispute about the where and when of “chips” (what we Americans call French fries and the French call pommes frites). Many historians say that deep-fried, cut-up potatoes were invented in Belgium and, in fact, substituted for the fish during hard times. The first time the word “chips” was used was in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities in 1859: “husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil.”

The official pairing of fish and chips didn’t happen until a few years later, though. Although there are some who dispute it, most authorities say that it is thanks to a Jewish cook, this time a young Ashkenazi immigrant named Joseph Malin, who opened the first British chippy, AKA fish and chip shop, in London in 1863. The shop was so successful it remained in business until the 1970s.

Who could foresee that fearful Jewish immigrants hiding their true religion and practicing in secret would be responsible for creating one of the most iconic dishes in the U.K.? The down-home dish that Winston Churchill claimed help the British defeat the Nazis, the comfort food that George Orwell said helped keep the masses happy and “averted revolution.” The dish, by the way, that was among the only foods never rationed during wartime because the British government believed that preserving access to it was a way of keeping up morale. A dish that continues to be a mainstay of the British diet.

Think about that the next time you find yourself feasting on this centuries-old — Jewish? British? — recipe.

These days, some restaurants are putting a new spin on fish and chips. Almond crusted. Baked instead of fried. Quinoa coated. Sweet potato fries instead of regular. And those are all fine; as Oliver says, “Dishes evolve.” But plain old fish and chips endures and probably always will. Good recipes usually do.

H/T : @scartale-an-undertale-au

Naveed Anjum

[anonymusbosch]

what is with the health-food fixation on Ancient Grains? as far as I can tell, there's some notion that they're, like, Healthy and Rich in Nutrients and Exotic and Untainted by Mass Production. and that they're things like Farro and Quinoa and Bulgur and Amaranth and Millet and Sorghum.

one Healthline article opens with

"Ancient grains tend to be less processed than modern grains, like corn and wheat. Because of this, ancient grains have more vitamin, mineral, and fiber content. Including ancient grains in your diet may come with health benefits."

Its 12 "ancient grains" are amaranth, millet, kamut, sorghum, teff, freekeh, farro, barley, quinoa, bulgur, rye, and fonio.

But like. Freekeh, farro, bulgur, and kamut are wheat. They are wheat!!

Corn was domesticated around 9,000 years ago! it's ancient! Rice sometime around 10,000 years ago! Wheat maybe 11,000 or more! Quinoa is a few thousand years old, amaranth maybe 5,000, barley around 11,000, teff maybe 6,000. They're all old enough to have long histories of domestication and cultivation, but corn and wheat and rice are decidedly ancient.

And decidedly nutritious! people have been cooking with them for millennia because they're good! they vary in how much of any given nutrient they provide - rice and amaranth have less than wheat and quinoa, say - but like. specifically on that last one. quinoa is marketed as this high protein grain that vegetarians and vegans should fall all over themselves for but cooked wheat grains (farro bulgur etc) may actually have more protein than quinoa. and just normal-ass flour and bread and pasta! have protein! a fair amount!! cooked pasta has about as much protein as quinoa! not to say that the way grains or processed has no impact or that all grains have similar properties (they don't), just that "ancient grains" are not better across-the-board than their equally-ancient-but-not-marketed-thus counterparts

i mean first and foremost it's a marketing ploy, a health food scam, a way for companies to market their Virtuous Anciente Farro over our Modern Vulgar Wheat, whatever. but it's way less coherent than I realized - fully just an incorrect portrayal on all counts. And it's got a strong flavor of both an exoticizing racism and a... regular... racism beneath everything else, and that's all twisted on itself too...

note 1 that I am no expert on the history of grains + this all is my stream-of-consciousness wikipedia-ing reaction to initial dabbling in the history of said grains, not a well-backed or well-researched view

anyway I had ancient grains (regular-ass pasta) with ancient vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) and ancient legumes (beans) and an ancient drink (tea) for lunch and i feel pretty cool about the history of domesticated crops hbu

[reyaint]

culture of HAIQIN | foods + cuisine

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date: november 9, 2024

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Cuisine

Staple Foods

Staple Foods:

Key staples include grains such as rice and millet, legumes, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Seafood is particularly prominent in coastal provinces like Valero and Naidya, while the arid northern regions favor hearty dishes that incorporate drought-resistant crops.

The cuisine of Haiqin features a variety of staple foods, including grains like rice and barley, fresh vegetables, and a wide range of fruits. Commonly used spices and herbs add depth to the dishes, which often focus on fresh ingredients.

Common Ingredients:

Grains: Rice, millet, barley, couscous

Vegetables: Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, turnips, and beets; leafy greens; tomatoes; chili peppers, lettuce

Fruits: Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and pineapple in coastal areas; apples and berries in cooler regions. tropical citrus, berries, apples, and melons

Proteins: Game meats (roasted, grilled), seafood, meats, legumes, and dairy products (especially in more temperate regions)

Herbs & Spices: Canyon herbs, cactus flower, cinnamon, citrus, cumin, coriander, and chili pepper

Dairy & Fermented Foods: Yogurt, pickled vegetables, and fermented fish are often paired with meals for added texture and taste.

Drought-Resistant Crops: In the northern arid regions, dishes often incorporate crops like quinoa, beans, and hardy grains that thrive in dry climates. Haiqin created drought resistance crops as well, in general, using technology

Regional Dishes

Stellis:

The fusion capital of Haiqin, Stellis is known for its vibrant, cosmopolitan food scene. The cuisine here mixes influences from global trends with traditional Haiqin ingredients. Spicy noodle dishes are a common staple, alongside seafood paella inspired by coastal influences. Street food culture is very prominent, with everything from dumplings to gourmet burgers offering a contemporary twist on local flavors.

Eldariaz:

Renowned for its royal traditions, Eldariaz specializes in rich, spice-laden dishes. Royal Spiced Lamb, a succulent dish flavored with local herbs and exotic spices, is a signature offering. The province also boasts an abundance of tropical fruits, which are often used in vibrant, refreshing salads and desserts. Eldariaz is a place where history and culinary heritage intertwine.

Nirin:

In Nirin, the cuisine is shaped by the challenging desert environment. Nirin Stew, a hearty, spiced meat and vegetable dish, is the region’s standout dish. Cactus salad, made from locally sourced desert plants, is a staple, while floral teas from the city of Waterlight are celebrated for their unique, refreshing qualities. The emphasis on grilled meats and spicy foods is a reflection of the region’s rugged spirit, with southern American-style dishes also being popular, like grilled game meats and cornbread. The food in Nirin mirrors the Southern American style, with grilled meats, spices, and robust flavors. I'm scripting I'm from here...(i can't live without some of the foods in my cr man I CAN'T)

Primos:

Known for its mountainous terrain, Primos offers meals designed for sustenance in the rugged landscape. Roasted game meats and vegetable stews are often prepared over open flames, drawing from the region's strong connection to nature. Hiking trails and outdoor activities are integral to Primos culture, with communal meals often enjoyed in nature during seasonal gatherings, such as mountain festivals.

Mian:

The cuisine of Mian, the capital province, is known for couscous and flatbreads, which are often served with pickled vegetables. The traditional Mian communal dining culture plays a central role in local cuisine, with dishes often shared in large gatherings that foster strong social bonds. Mian’s emphasis on communal eating creates a sense of togetherness, which is further reflected in the region’s culinary approach.

Valero:

The coastal province of Valero has a cuisine centered around seafood, particularly grilled fish and seafood paella, both of which showcase the bountiful offerings of the ocean. Festivals in Valero often feature communal feasts, where families and communities gather to celebrate the sea's abundance. Tropical fruits and citrus-based dishes also add a refreshing touch to the region's cuisine.

Naidya:

Known for its tropical climate, Naidya features cuisine that relies heavily on fresh seafood and tropical fruits. The islands host vibrant food festivals where local seafood dishes and traditional cooking methods are celebrated. Sustainability plays an important role in Naidya’s food practices, with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients and maintaining environmentally responsible food practices.

Agrios:

The industrial heartland of Haiqin, Agrios blends traditional food with industrial influences. Smoked meats and grain-based meals are common, reflecting the region's industrial past. Agrios is home to bustling local markets, where artisanal foods are sold, including smoked cheeses, cured meats, and hearty breads. The food here is practical and filling, mirroring the hardworking nature of the people.

Dridells:

In Dridells, food combines urban influences with traditional flavors. The cuisine features river fish and vegetable stews, with an emphasis on combining fresh, natural ingredients. Stews are often slow-cooked, allowing for deep, rich flavors. Dridells has a strong focus on urban sustainability, with eco-friendly food practices and a culture that supports organic farming and local produce.

Luminiaz:

The lush, fertile province of Luminiaz is known for its commitment to sustainability. The region’s cuisine features organic vegetables, local grains, and wild herbs that are hand-picked from the surrounding ecosystem. Luminiaz cuisine celebrates earth tones and nature-inspired dishes, often incorporating wild edible plants and herbs into both savory and sweet dishes. Sustainability is a central theme, and many of the dishes celebrate the biodiversity of the province’s environment.

Food Practices

Communal Eating:

One of the most cherished food traditions in Haiqin is communal eating. Whether during family gatherings, festivals, or celebrations, food is often shared. Large platters of dishes are served, and people sit together to enjoy the meal.

Festivals and Feast Days:

Certain festivals are closely linked to food practices, where traditional dishes are prepared and shared during celebrations. For example, harvest festivals often feature seasonal produce, and coastal feasts celebrate seafood, with people coming together to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.

Religious and Spiritual Influence:

Although religious fasting is not widespread, certain communities in Haiqin observe dietary practices in honor of deities. Some regions may refrain from consuming specific foods, such as pork, in deference to sacred animals or local beliefs.

Street Food:

Especially in urban areas like Stellis, street food plays an integral role in Haiqin’s food culture, offering affordable and diverse options for the masses. Markets are vibrant and buzzing with vendors selling everything from dumplings to skewers.

[kimyoonmiauthor]

I thought it might be fun to list "Best cultures for", imo, BTW, doesn't include SK in most cases.

So using my Anthro degree for something. This is Academic interest. I'm only giving the loose reasons why. I'm not particularly promoting fetishization here. I'm saying, do the research into this specific culture for this specific cultural aspect. rather than blind worship.

Agriculture

Of the three major regions, (West Asia, Southern China-ish, Meso America/Northern South America) hands down, The Americas.

I mean, if you look at the genetics and origin of the potato, that itself is super impressive. Through domestication alone, they managed to make the potato grow in all environments, AND changed the amount of genes the potato has. !@#$ What? Really? And then you have things like Amaranth, corn, squash, beans of different kinds, quinoa, tomatoes which is related to nightshade, which is used more than eggplant worldwide, and Sweet Potatoes which they gave to Polynesians. Also single handedly through the Potato and Sweet Potato saved China, Korea, Ireland, and several other places from famine, thus also helping to end the slavery cycle in Korea, China and Japan. I mean... who are you going to rank the highest in that case?

Second place ranking I have to give to Western Asia. Daaaaamn, you have wheat, oats, barley, sheep, goats, cows, horses (supposedly), pigs. That's pretty impressive.

Third place Southern China—rice production, most of the world's commercial flowers, soybeans, a lot of the fruits including citrus. You also get honey.

Honorable mention to South Asia for Chickens. (Indonesia and India specifically)

Despite this, apples are my favorite fruit. lol I need to eat a Courtland apple please. I can eat them by the bushel.

Sea navigation

Hands down, Polynesians, beats the pants off of everyone else by a nautical league. When you can feel sea currents with your hands, be able to get your people first to the South Pacific from China, and then navigate ALLLLL the way to the Americas and beat Europeans, Yes, definitely they get the crown several times over. I mean... think hard about it. When you memorize stick charts, casually and then don't have them at sea and sometimes your tattoos are only brief reminders, FLOORED.

Make Europeans in the same time period look terrible.

House design

I'm looking at passive solar, specifically rather than aesthetics. For me, this is kinda toss up. Indigenous peoples rocked it pretty hard, especially in the South West US into Mexico region. They were exceptionally good at regulating air flow. But Koreans invented underfloor heating. And Chinese figured out Feng Shui which is just Passive solar+ a bunch of other stuff that's practical. (Such as your bathroom shouldn't be above your kitchen). But I have to admit I also admire some of the Indian Passive solar efforts (subcontinent). This one is hard to decide. But if you're researching, I'd look there.

Gender

My favorite to point to is Bugis people of Indonesia. 5 different genders. Freaking awesome. Of course it's a bit disciplined these days by the government, but it's worth investigating.

As I wrote before East Asian gender systems of the past were often more fluid and flexible and still are compared to European ideologues.

Clothing?

No one has impressed me that much, tbh. It's a pick and choose. I can choose the most impractical, but not the one that wins my heart for inventiveness.

Crakows, though, crack me up every single last time. Especially for the Phallic nature and that they were associated with men. But that's on the impractical list. That's also why I submitted it for review on History Hit's fashion list. I haven't gotten over it since I first saw it, I think it was on a Dan Snow documentary about British kings. I mean look at them and resist laughing your butt off.

Religion

I personally think that real Voudoun is much cooler than what's in the movies, which is really racist 98% of the time. It is a Synchronized religion, and it is Christian-based in some ways, but c'mon, look it up and be impressed.

BTW, I really dislike the conflation of zombies with Voudou, granted as an outsider, since it belongs to Bokor and is a warning against *becoming a slave* not about white people trying to shoot zombies with grey and darker faces because OMG, slave uprising psychology.

Zonbis, are cooler than zombies since it's about overcoming and resisting masters, rather than about masters mass killing their slaves, which is what the later meaning seems to say. Ad Zombie movies are at their best when they symbolically get the original concept and meaning. So like becoming a work drone.

^^ I still have a soft spot for Muism as a Korean, but ya know, Korean. I lean towards liking shamanism, probably because of the historical acceptance of LGBTQIA and disability.

Shamanism is also appealing in some ways because often shamanism says that if everything in your life is going wrong, then that might be a sign of powers or spirits calling to you, rather than saying in the old Christian ideology that you've sinned deeply, so you need to repent.

But this is usually not what people are asking about when they are thinking about religions. They usually want the polytheistic, Jade Emperor, Greek, Roman, Egyptians, Norse route. Or Monotheism. Kinda dull, really. Where are the other types in fiction. I mean, Druids?

Give me some totemism for once.

Government System

Look up Wigan Council. I might also be biased towards it because of Gaya, but it's a way to play with things and also allow for more LGBTQIA royalty. Royalty without autocracy?

Inventions?

Hands down, no doubt, Islamic Empire. I mean, when you have Automatons without electricity, you're winning without question. When your people are inventing surgery, calculating the size of the Earth, allowing women to read, learn and write, inventing the lens, which is the cornerstone of so many inventions, and you got Europe's Bacon by inventing the Scientific Method first, historical crush does't cut it. I mean, when you can calculate a pointed arch, do geometric mosaics with mathematical principles, I am floored beyond reason.

Conclusion

This isn't to say I'm not impressed by specific things from other cultures as well, but this is broad strokes. Vedanta Hinduism, for me, is impressive from India. And I really like the practicality of Hanbok. (Why hanbok over hanfu is a long, long post) And I've raved over kimchi before multiple, multiple times, more than you know (quora... I think I have the most answers and I also answer with the food science of Kimchi down to the bacteria.) BTW, dumplings are damned clever.

What are your favorite culture for specific things from those cultures? Would you choose different cultures for each of these things? If so, why? What impressive things have I missed that have floored you?

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

The Mediterranean diet contains nutrients that are known to enhance longevity and has other health benefits that are backed by peer-reviewed, scientific studies. Broccoli is one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, with only 30 calories per cup and contains fibre and polyphenols — antioxidants that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your bodying.

A Spanish study found a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events among patients with a history of heart disease.

Quinoa contains a good dose of protein to help build muscle. Yet including any type of whole grain in your diet — from barley to brown rice — will aid in weight loss by filling you up for fewer calories.

Blueberries is a kind of superfood because studies have shown they aid in everything from fighting cancer to lowering cholesterol. But all berries, including raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, contain antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Studies show that eating a handful of nuts several times a week can prevent heart disease and ultimately help you shed pounds since they fill you up and stop you from snacking on other things. Almonds, in particular, contain lots of monounsaturated fats and fibre.

Salmon is also a good source of lean protein. With this diet, doctors suggest eating fish at least two times a week. Salmon provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids fight back by reducing inflammation and slowing the rate of plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Black, kidney, white and garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are good for fibre and protein. They fill you up and provide muscle-building material without any of the fat that meat can add to your meal.

Eating a breakfast high in protein is a good way to keep hunger at bay throughout the day. Eggs are full of choline, a nutrient that helps block fat from being absorbed in the liver. Choline may also help in preventing memory loss.

Spinach is a great source of iron, which is a key component in red blood cells that fuel our muscles with oxygen for energy. But researchers in Sweden identified another way in which these greens might keep you charged: Compounds found in spinach actually increase the efficiency of our mitochondria, the energy-producing factories inside our cells.

Walnuts are packed with tryptophan, an amino acid your body needs to create serotonin. They're digested slowly which contributes to mood stability and can help you tolerate stress.

Asparagus is one of the best sources of folate, a B vitamin that could help keep you out of a mental slump. Folate is important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine; all of these are crucial for mood.

[kenziemeadowscottage]

Happy Lughnasadh!

February 1st - March 20th

Today is the second day of Lughnasadh for us in the Southern Hemisphere! ✨

🦋 Origin 🦋

Lughnasadh (Loo-Nas-Ah) is the celebration of the First Harvest. It is celebrated in the middle of summer to late summer, between Midsummer and Mabon. 🍁 It is a celebration of seeing what you’ve grown and cultivating it for the winter season. This tradition came from Irish Celts and named from the Celtic Sun God, Lugh.

Lughnasadh comes from two origins of Lugh’s mythology. One is that Lugh wanted to a festival to honour his foster mother, Tailtiu (Tal-Chi-Uh). She had died clearing the Irish plains to prepare them for agriculture.

The other origin is that it was to celebrate Lugh’s marriage. It’s also a time where couples would make a “temporary marriage” which would be only for a year, until the end of the next years festival.

It is also known as Lammas in the Anglo Saxon tradition. Early Christians would take a loaf of bread to a priest to be blessed on August 1st. This loaf of bread was called loaf mass, which the where Lammas came from.

🍇 Celebration 🍇

Every source says that it was either a celebration of funerals or of marriage, but it’s always a festival of Lugh.

Ways that you can celebrate are:

Baking or buying a loaf of bread to celebrate the grain harvest. 🍞

Eating seasonal fruits / veggies. 🍒🍇

Putting colours of yellow, green, orange into your life or onto your altar. 🌻

Using crystals of red, yellow and orange. Carnelian, amber, citrine, and clear quartz for example. 🍓

Using symbolism of scythes, sunflowers, grain (which could be bread!) on your altar. 🌾

Gathering with friends for a potluck! Celebrate summers abundance and take this moment for rest! 🌼 Lughnasadh themed items include: bread, grains (like quinoa), berries, fruit, wine and beer.

Making corn dollies to hang around the home as an offering for a good first harvest, and asking deity (such as Lugh) for blessings. 🌽

References:

Mabon House. (14th July 2021). The History of Lughnasadh & Lammas.

https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/the-history-of-lughnasadh-amp-lammas#:~:text=As%20part%20of%20the%20Wheel,yellow%2C%20bright%20greens%20and%20orange.

Vercida. (n.d.). Celebrating Lughnasadh (The First Harvest).

https://www.vercida.com/uk/articles/celebrating-lughnasadh#:~:text=Lughnasadh%20was%20also%20a%20popular,could%20be%20dissolved%20if%20wished.

Kajora Lovely. (2nd August 2019). Lughnasadh : History & Traditions of the First Harvest Festival.

https://www.kajoralovely.com/lovely-blog/2019/7/28/lughnasadh?format=amp

[grahamkennedy]

So I saw this post the other day where a Jewish blogger was talking about how common it is for gentiles to try and make Jewish people who observe Kosher break it, by sneaking pork and stuff into food, waving bacon in their face, etc etc. And a number of replies that rightfully pointed to the similar experience Muslims have with people trying to make them break Halal.

And then there was a bunch of bloggers who were like "actually this happens to vegans and vegetarians too #solidarity".

As a vegetarian myself this isn't actually our place to speak. And I do think we need to have a conversation about the hostility some people have towards us, especially the way some progressives have painted us as like, ghouls dressed head to toe in pleather cutting down every forest for quinoa instead of just like. Normal people.

HOWEVER. When people talk about structural oppression, specifically stuff like racism and antisemitism etc etc, and the ways people enact violence against those they consider lesser? That is not our turn to pipe up.

Especially because we as vegans and vegetarians have had a long history of racism and antisemitism by framing specific cultural practices as barbaric animal abuse and certain people as savages. I think it's incredibly insensitive to butt in and think "well actually we're forced to eat meat too" and think this will be taken well.

Like let's shut up here and talk about our own experiences some other time.

[blkforester]

Amid the rolling hills of a quaint countryside farm, two lovers found themselves in a picturesque moment of connection. The landscape was alive with vibrant hues, as if the very earth and sky conspired to celebrate their love.

Carlos, with his Peruvian heritage, and Antonio, hailing from the heart of Brazil, had embarked on a journey together, discovering the shared richness of their culinary traditions. It was on this farm, amidst fields of lush crops, that they uncovered a treasure: a humble yet exquisite bowl filled with quinoa.

As they stood together, bathed in the golden hues of the sun's embrace, Antonio cradled the artisanal bowl with reverence, its contents representing the culmination of their exploration. With a gentle, affectionate touch, he extended it toward Carlos, their eyes meeting in a wordless exchange that spoke of love, appreciation, and unity.

The quinoa grains shimmered in the sunlight, a testament to the blending of two cultures, each contributing its unique flavors and history. In that shared moment they found a profound connection that transcended words.

Their story became a testament to the beauty of love's ability to bridge divides, to merge heritages, and to create something new and extraordinary.

[longing-for-rain]

Idk why so many people hate on quinoa, honestly such a good food and it has a pretty neat culinary history

[dnd-shithouse]

Silly headcannons I have that in the grand scheme of things don’t matter but I like them (feel free to argue)

1. Hermie listens to Ween and he’s very annoying about it

2. Because he listens to Ween, he’s one of those people who listens to old music (classical music listener types) and his classmates give him shit about it.

3. Nick CLOSE made memes about Albania

4. Nick FOSTER was obsessed With Albanian history and would legitimately get upset if he saw an Albania meme.

5. Lark has eaten a tarantula before

6. Sparrow is a Socdem

7. Scary hates bell peppers and any food containing them. No gumbo for her :(

8. Ron listens to Sir Mix-a-lot and it annoys the shit out of Terry

10. Henry is morally against eating quinoa

11. Sparrow loves quinoa

12. Erin thinks eating mushrooms is morally fine. She also thinks most mushrooms are disgusting and that you shouldn’t put them in your mouth.

13. Nick Close and Nick Foster are bisexual in two different fonts.

14. Scary is ambivalent about organ meat.