 Foods vary depending on climate, location, water source, land layout  Rice needs marshy areas, citrus needs long warm season, abundance of lakes/ocean access for fish/seafood  A peoples culture is depicted through their food  i.e. – Japan=rice and seafood, Scandinavian countries= cheese, dried fruits, smoked meats, fish

 Religion influences a person’s food  Jewish eat unleavened bread as a symbol of the bread ancestors ate when God lead them from Egypt  Christians – Easter eggs symbolize rebirth, bread and wine during communion reflects body and blood of Christ  Germany – pretzels symbolize prayer  Some food is restricted  Hindu = no beef, cows are sacred  Islam = pork is forbidden  Christian/Catholics  No meat during Lent (40 days)

 Customs that are passed down through generations  Many are centered around holidays  Chinese – celebrate new year with 10 course meal  Folklore  Sweden – eating dream herring or dream porridge on Midsummer eve predicts the future  China – black tea is called red tea, black is considered bad luck  Art related  Japan – food is an art form  During spring festivals food is arrange to depict mountains, rivers, trees, and flowers

 United States is a melting pot of culture  Traditions and culture combine to create new food trends  Native Americans  Introduced corn, pumpkins, squash, peppers, cranberries, and peanuts  Taught people how to fish and hunt  Africans  Brought okra, spicy, stew dishes

 Northeast (New England states)  Climate is right for berries, apples, corn, squash, beans, and Maple trees (maple syrup)  Well-known for seafood and wild game  Lobster, crab, turkey, duck, and pheasant  Middle Atlantic  Dutch, German, Swedish, Jewish, and English settlers  Doughnuts, waffles, chicken and dumplings, bagels, lox, sausages, hot dogs, pretzels, and seafood

 Southern States  Borders by Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico with long, warm growing seasons  Corn, rice, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, peaches, peanuts.  Pork, chicken, catfish, bass, trout, turtle, citrus fruit  Most settlers from British Isles, Spain, Africa, France  Barbeque, fried chicken, smoked meats, biscuits  Soul food  Based on African slaves customs  Hot and spicy; catfish, hush puppies, greens, fried chitterlings  Creole food  New Orleans; rooted in French, Spanish, African, and Native American culture  Mixture of rice, tomatoes, okra, seafood, poultry, hot sausage,  Gumbo (stew), jambalaya (casserole)

 West and Southwest States  Rocky and sandy terrain  Sheep, potatoes, vegetables, some fruit  Influenced by Mexicans, Spaniards, and Native Americans  Hot peppers, chili, tamales, nachos, thick stews

 Midwest  Rich soil and flat land  Nicknamed “breadbasket”  Corn, grains, soybeans  Settled by Swiss, German, Polish, Irish, Greek, French, Scandinavian  Known for having potluck dinners

 West Coast  Bordered by the Pacific Ocean  Oranges, avocados, grapes, papayas, nuts, dates, seafood, lettuce, tomatoes, apricots, berries, apples, tuna, salmon, artichokes  Influenced by Asian and Mexican cultures