#cyberpunk food

[scipunk]

The Fifth Element (1997)

[warakami-vaporwave]

Pizza Hut84

[boredth]

V for vending machine

[neon-wonderlands]

[theneondreaming]

[verysmallcyborg]

[ salvation code ]

[wraithsoutlaws]

night at All Foods

[imaginarycyberpunk2023]

OC: Macha Richter // life advice

Inspired by the wonderful Sarah Paulson

[digital-chance]

oh my lots of good questions!! i hadn't considered food in a cyberpunk world in depth like this! also a side note, i did research as i went along and if anyone wants any sources let me know, i'll be happy to supply them. this one is longer than expected, so I added a cut.

here we go! :D

What are staples? Where are they grown?

Due to awful air and limited farming lands, fresh fruits and vegetables are rare. Meat is more common than fresh fruit but still uncommon enough. Grains are quite common, though the most common are genetically modified foods similar to granola bars/pastes. A lot of the food is processed in some form to lengthen shelf life enough to be shipped across the world. Nova Futurum is located around the modern-day California/Oregon border and expands nearly into Nevada. Due to a mix of nuclear testing, climate degradation, over-tilling land, and higher acid levels in the soil, much of the farmland near Nova Futurum is toxic. This is one of the reasons why the food is processed so much. As I said, the most common thing to grow is grains, such as wheat and barley. It's a different type than what we're used to, thanks to genetic modification so harvests are more plentiful and nutrient-rich. Some (modified) nuts can be grown; walnut, pecan, almond, and rarely pistachio.

Are there any current food shortages? How did they come about?

There used to be a large citrus fruit farming community but a recent bug infestation targeted the citruses. This includes oranges, limes, and lemons. The bugs had tripled in population after taking refuge in warm Nova Futurum factory warehouses during the winter, which were recently built. This was a change in the environment for the bugs, who were used to hibernating throughout the winter. Any locally grown citruses come from greenhouses within Nova Futurum and locals say they don't taste the same. (Side note: They're fake. Scientists were just able to recreate the taste/look after hearing the news.)

Is vertical gardening a thing? What about privately grown crops? Rogue gardens in urban areas?

Absolutely. The rich people in Nova Futurum love it. They call it their 'greenhouse' and flaunt how close they feel to nature with their gardens. The whole concept of Nova Futurum urban planning is conserving space. That goes along great with some people's gardens. Sometimes, when they're lazy, they buy artificial gardens or hologram gardens. Scientists also grow gardens to create synthetic food and work alongside 'greenhouse' factories, which is where the synthetic food is mass produced. The middle class and lower class grow gardens out of necessity if they have the space. Sometimes there will be community gardens and sometimes entire buildings will be converted into a more affordable 'greenhouse factory.'

What are common food allergies/sensitivities/special dietary requirements, and how do people deal with these in your world? Is it still easy to eat out if you're affected, or does nobody else care?

Common allergies are to nuts, grains, and the synthetic material they use to make the ""grain"" paste. Since most food is made in huge batches, it's not common to find allergen-free foods. One would have to find a factory that creates the food without the allergens. If one is a foreigner with other allergies, the metropolis is even less accommodating. Eating out is not very common in general. It's mostly done by workers/business people, students, foreigners or tourists, or rich people. The general media-approved culture is to avoid eating in public since rich people want to feel synthetic and robotic. Many people also have had cybernetic augmentation surgeries (CAS) to change their stomach or even their brains to remove or alter their allergens. Some people do it just so they can eat an allergen.

What are culturally important dishes? Are they linked to a certain myth/tale or a holiday?

This is a really good question, but I need to develop myths/tales along with the history a bit more before I know. (I'll do that in a separate post)

What sort of foods are imported?

Organics; fruits, vegetables, meats, etc Synthetic; pastes, drinks/juices, frozen meals (A lot more than what nova futurum's government wants to admit...)

What dishes are considered luxurious? Which ones are poor people meals?

Luxurious: Fruit platters. Fruit salads. Plain vegetables. High concentration of juices. Smoothies. Meat (cow, pig, bird). Chef meals. Apple sauce, smashed carrots, mushed fruits or vegetables. Poor: Fruit jello. fruit flavored foods. Stir fry. Soups. Pastes. Boiled vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables. Microwave/frozen dinners. pickled or preserved foods.

How are foods preserved?

They're preserved by altering the DNA and lengthening the time of ripening. They also use chemical baths or injections, freezing, and pickeling.

What's the current most popular advice on nutrition?

Food that we see as "convenience store food" or "gas station food" is really popular and is highly promoted to everyone. It's promoted because of it's long shelf life and it's "delicious flavor!" (though it's just mediocre, with an overall taste of synthesized grain paste). For rich people, their targeted promotions are chefs who know how to cook real fruits, vegetables, and meats. Most chefs or restaurant owners are used to the synthesized materials and the extended shelf life, so using "quicker to die" foods is strange since they don't act the same when cooking. Everything about rich people is about "returning to nature" and "enjoying nature's gifts." While of course living in a high rise apartment with a controlled environment.

thanks for all the questions, this was super fun!

-

;// nova futurum tag list: @dru-reads-writeblr @another-white-void @outpost51 @zeenimf / dm to + or - from list

i want to worldbuild and asks and chatting witb ppl are a great way for me to do that so... what do yall want to know about the world in nova futurum??

[pinkyjulien]

Valentin & Mitch | 688/?? 🧡🌈

[fishhhhshh]

Morally fluid netrunners who take the money and bail they are so !!!!!!!!! Also Aymeric is cute :3

[breezypunk]

a night out with vaughn ♥︎

[warakami-vaporwave]

Pizza Hut84

[rangertycho]

"Tinsel City" 1987

[anime-snacks]

[theneondreaming]