Food Culture And Food Choice (The Etiquette Of Georgian Table)

Introduction

According to Lexicon Foods dictionary, food culture is defined as, “The practices, attitudes and beliefs as well as the networks and institutions surrounding the production, distribution, and consumption of food. ” Food is important aspect of our daily life. It is no longer just for energy and nutrition but also it has become part of our cultural identity. How and the way people eat can also be influenced by number of factors and food culture plays a key role in that. Every country has its own food culture and within that there are people from varies ethnic groups. The question lies between how food culture and food choice are interlinked. Dindyal (2003) explains this in two parts. Ethnical groups for instance, share “language”, “culture, ” “physical appearance” and “religion”. Culture looks at how to look at things within our ethnic group. The functionality of society is strictly dependant on this to avoid conflict. Food has a major role in this as people integrate and try varies of foods. Hence food culture impacts food choice. Food evidently comes with a social aspect as it brings communities together and “establishes relationship between people and environment”. To comprehend this even further the essay will look at Georgia and its culture specifically the traditional etiquette at the table.

Factors Effecting Food Choice

There are many factors that are effecting food choice. Most recognised factors is religion. Religion plays a big role in people’s food choice. As demonstrated by Dindyal (2003) consumption of certain types of meat is prohibited in different culture. Pork in Muslim communities and beef in the Hindu community. This rule has even further restrictions and both religions have specific rule to be obeyed by. Differ from that in catholic and Christian religions any type of meat can be eaten and it has no religious symbolism to it. As being brought up on certain foods due to religion all aspects of food culture reflect that. As further explained by, the author of food and nutrition, Fieldhouse it is “likely to be long lasting and resistant to change”. This is due to once again the ethnicity and different background of the individual. From an early age their food choice has been influenced. Geography and climate is also a contributing factor in people’s food choice. Depending on where people live, the food maybe available seasonally. Also low income families may have less opportunity to buy the same type of food as wealthier families. Farmers evidently, grow their own produce however, they still have to travel distances to be able to get “perishable” goods.

Georgia

Georgia, small country located in “southern slopes of Caucasus mountains” It should also be noted in Georgia wine has high significance, when it comes to its food culture. The process of wine making has been around for 8000 thousand years, it is believed that Georgia has among one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Therefore, tradition of wine is inseparable to the countries identity. Both eating and drinking is considered to be focal social activity.