While in early history the primary goal of hunter-gatherers was to survive by eating more or less regularly, later generations discovered that food gained flavor through special preparation. New techniques of preservation, the use of herbs and spices, the emergence of table manners and eating rituals are just a few milestones on the way to our current food culture.
Countless different food cultures
Food culture can vary greatly from region to region, as we see time and time again when traveling to distant countries.
Other factors, such as religious affiliation, can also play a major role. Embedded in this, families usually develop a family food culture as the smallest, but probably most important, unit.
The eating culture of the family
Early on is shaped what a child will later like to eat and what it categorically rejects. Rituals around eating are also internalized in early childhood. With birth, a child gradually adopts the family eating culture. Emotions play a major role in this. Particular tastes or even certain foods are associated with positive childhood memories such as security, a sense of well-being and safety. Others may trigger aversion because they are associated with unpleasant emotions.
During this phase, children are taught the importance of food and drink. They develop either into “epicureans,” who perceive food with all their senses, or into “gourmands,” who regard food as a necessary evil.
In which direction the tendency goes depends on numerous factors:
- What foods and dishes are selected?
- How much time – both for preparation and consumption – is allotted for the meal?
- Are the senses stimulated by learning about different foods and new tastes?
- Is there a certain table culture or rituals that give food positive emotions?
- Are there fixed meal times in the family circle, where there is room for enjoyable food and conversation?
Do we lack the time for enjoyable food?
Some trends of today show that eating is given less and less importance. People no longer eat at fixed times, but rather when their schedules permit. As before, three main meals are usually observed, but fixed meal times in the family circle are becoming rarer.
Often, eating takes place on the side, e.g. while the TV is on or playing on the computer. Our modern working lives often require flexible scheduling. The effort required to prepare meals is decreasing, more convenience products are being used, and eating out is becoming more common. Spontaneous hunger is satisfied in passing by fast food. The trend is toward a one-size-fits-all taste defined by pizza, French fries and burgers.
Is a guilty conscience plaguing us?
More than half of all Germans have a few too many pounds on their hips. For many, therefore, a guilty conscience is a constant companion when eating. No sooner is the treat consumed than the knowledge of the extra calories also sounds the alarm and spoils the fun of eating. Can one speak of enjoyment?
For many, eating becomes an inner conflict between the little angel and the little devil. While the little devil succumbs to all temptations, the little angel constantly warns against too much sweet and too much fat.
Do you feel the same way? Once you have finally decided to listen to the angel a little more and restrain yourself a little, the devil seems to be omnipresent and perceives every food scent, no matter how vague. Eating quickly becomes torture and there can be no talk of enjoyable food.
