UNIT 4 H&N

Agricultural Era

The period marked by the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, beginning around 10,000 years ago (Neolithic Revolution).

Neolithic Revolution

The starting point of the Agricultural Era, characterized by the domestication of plants and animals.

Cuisine Components

The three main components of a cuisine: Ingredients, Preparation Techniques, and Cultural Practices.

Globalization's Impact on Cuisine

The exchange of ingredients and cooking methods, leading to fusion cuisines and increased availability of diverse foods.

Status Foods

Foods that symbolize wealth and social status, often rare or expensive, associated with luxury or celebration.

Staple Foods

Main foods in a diet that are high in calories and nutrition, such as rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes.

Factors Affecting Staple Foods

Three factors that influence staple foods: Climate and soil conditions, Cultural preferences/traditions, and Economic factors.

Food Security Components

The four components of food security: Availability, Access, Utilization, and Stability.

Food Insecurity

The lack of reliable access to sufficient food, leading to issues such as malnutrition and poverty.

Food Literacy

The knowledge and skills necessary to make informed food choices, encompassing cooking, nutrition, and sustainability.

GMOs

Genetically Modified Organisms, whose DNA has been modified for specific traits like pest resistance.

Biotechnology

The use of biological processes for practical purposes, especially in agriculture, including genetic modification.

Pros of GMOs

Increased crop yields, reduced pesticide use, and improved nutrition.

Cons of GMOs

Environmental risks, ethical concerns, and potential allergic reactions.

Organic Food Definition

Food grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.

Clean 15/Dirty Dozen

Lists categorizing produce based on pesticide residues, with Clean 15 being low and Dirty Dozen being high.

Local Food Diet

A dietary focus on eating foods produced locally to reduce carbon footprint and support local farmers.

Nutritional Needs by Life Stage

Dietary requirements that vary by stage of life, including high fats/proteins for infants and balanced diets for adults.

Contemporary Food Production Methods

Modern agricultural practices including vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, precision agriculture, and organic farming.