We all put food into our stomachs because we feel the pangs of hunger and so, we eat; thus, we are fed and nourished, providing our bodies with fuel.
But knowing when to eat and what you eat are two different things. To really “know” food means to know where the food came from, who produced it, who prepared it, what techniques and flavorings they used; it means being aware of the sensations it gives you and the memories it evokes.
Thinking about and knowing all of these steps means having what is called a food culture.
There are people in the world who struggle just to find something to satisfy their hunger, but we would like to remind all of those who live in a world of plenty, to reflect on the act of eating and we encourage them to develop an awareness of food.
Someone once said that eating is an agricultural act because it is obvious that someone first farmed the land: this is true, but there is more to it. If you know how the corn was grown, where and by whom, your polenta will taste so much better. If that artichoke is fresh and comes from a vegetable garden not too far from where you live, you’ll enjoy the dish more. Then, if you make your tomato sauce using a real San Marzano tomato (it may soon disappear altogether), it will give you a deep sense of satisfaction.
When I find a centuries-old recipe that has been handed down for endless generations, my eating becomes a joyous occasion and if I can share it with friends, it tastes even better. This is the history of our eating, this is food culture.
Our body is biologically built to live happily and not painfully, therefore, the time we spend at table eating is an important part of the day.