Nutritional Patterns on Different Continents
In North America, the staple diet varied regionally but often involved maize, beans, and squash supplemented with game and fish. In South America, the diet varied by region but commonly included maize, potatoes, quinoa, various vegetables, and llamas or alpacas. The aliment varied by region in Europe, involving grains (wheat, barley), dairy produce, vegetables, and meat (Scarre et al., 2021).
In East Asia, the diet consisted mainly of rice, vegetables, tofu, and different types of seafood or poultry. In Southwest Asia, people’s meals involve grains such as wheat and barley, legumes, and domesticated animal sources like sheep and goats (Scarre et al., 2021). All these diets could be filling and satisfying. Comparing North America to South America, the former depended greatly on game and fish. In contrast, the latter had a wider variety of crops, such as quinoa and potatoes, reflecting varied agricultural practices just as dietary customs.
Factors of Diet Development in Different Parts of the World
Southwest Asia is the earliest place for plant and animal domestication. Southern Europe is one of the latest places in the world to domesticate plants such as olives and grapes (Scarre et al., 2021). Many people consider sheep, goats, cattle, and horses more valuable than llamas and alpacas because they are larger, have more strength, and are suitable for plowing fields or transportation.
Variations in domesticable plants and animals led to significant disparities in development between Southwest Asia, Mesoamerica, and South America. Southwest Asia had various domesticable plants and animals facilitating food surplus production and complex societies (Scarre et al., 2021). However, fewer species were tamed in Mesoamerica and South America, so they could not maintain high agricultural productivity and grew large-scale civilizations.
Reflection
The historical development of agriculture and domestication in different parts of the world relates to my understanding today in various ways. It helps me appreciate cereals, such as wheat and rice, which form part of my daily meals. In addition, this type of history helps me understand some practices at local festivals that relate to crops that are being harvested. The view that technology has dramatically impacted professions is very clear from agriculture’s technological advancement, which may have affected my profession, too. Generally, the entire relationship offers an insight into cultural histories related to cuisines and socioeconomic structures.
Reference
Scarre, C., Fagan, B., & Golden, C. (2021). Ancient civilizations. Routledge.
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