The human body has the amazing ability to consume a variety of foods as well as assimilate a myriad of nutrients. We are able to digest complex proteins and lipids as well as integrate inorganic substances such as iron and zinc into our biochemistry. As a species we have a wide range of tolerance in regards to what eat; interestingly enough as wide as our pallets are, human beings prefer to consume carbohydrates above all else. Subsequently the three most widely consumed foods are wheat, rice, and potatoes.
How did wheat, rice, and potatoes become the three most consumed foods in the world? Well there is a simple answer to this question. Let us begin our discussion with wheat.
Wheat is a food source that is as old as civilization itself. When you look at the development of civilization in the Fertile Crescent, the Industry River Valley, or anywhere else in the world, with the exception of the Americas, wheat has established itself as a prominent source of food. There are multiple reasons for the prevalence of wheat as a food source for early civilizations. It grows just about anywhere and is easy to harvest; also yields from this specific crop can be high resulting in food surplus stimulating population growth. It can be stored for longer periods of time than other foods, as well as be manipulated into a variety of products. When you take into consideration the ease by which wheat can be produced, transported, stored, and manipulated, it is very apparent why wheat is the world's most consumed food.
Rice is widely consumed for similar reasons. In swampy and waterlogged areas rice is very prevalent. It was abundant in the areas where Easter civilization developed. When you look at South East Asia, Southern India, Southeast China, and other regions that fall under the realm of the seasonal monsoon rain, rice is the most practical crop to grow. It grows well in wetland areas and provides more calories per acre that any other crop; this makes it optimal for feeding large populations. It will not rot or decay quickly in humid environments unlike wheat. It can be easily stored and transported, as well as be manipulated to create a variety of products.
Potatoes are a commonly consumed food source for much the same reason that wheat and rice are. However, potatoes came about in a very interesting way. Potatoes are derived from the Solanaceae family. This is a particular family of roots and plants with flowering shoots. Roots from his family are more commonly referred to as nightshades or potatoes. (Not all roots from the Solanaceae family are actually potatoes.) A peculiar thing about nightshades is that most of them are highly toxic and poisonous. No one really knows how edible potatoes came into being. Scientists have proposed that natives of mountainous regions in South America cultivated nightshades for use in ritual ceremonies or sacrifices. As certain native groups migrated to various altitudes and thermoclines along mountain ranges nightshades were brought with them. Gradually the chemical and biological nature of nightshades changed until they became non toxic and edible. But then again, this is only speculation.
Regardless of how potatoes came into existence, they quickly spread as a food source in the Americas. Potatoes grew well in cold climates and high altitudes. They were a calorie rich food source and could be fermented or processed into a variety of other foods. Upon the discovery of the potato by European explorers, the potato became a standard staple in colder environments across the world; particularly in Ireland where potatoes were used to make bread substitutes, and in Russia where potatoes were used to make vodka.
There you have it! The three most consumed foods in the modern world: wheat, rice and potatoes. They all became staples for similar reasons. These foods have changed society as we know it and continue to do so. So next time you sit down and have a meal think about the history of your food.
No comments:
Post a Comment