Exploring Culinary Cultures: An Advanced Study of Global Food Customs

This interactive workshop, adapted from a course at California Polytechnic State University taught by Dr. Doris Derelian, is an exploration of the evolution of food customs and practices from a global perspective. We will look back at the challenges and successes of populations worldwide who have developed their own eating cultures based on geography, climate and available resources.

Among tribes, societies and population groups, all the world’s foodstuffs can be identified. Even the most “American” food is from another place on our planet. We will compare and contrast foods across continents with special attention to the movement of crops, livestock and cooking techniques that formed in one location and migrated to another. Every part of the world has, within its boundaries, taste profiles especially known to people. Where did those tastes originate and how have they changed over time?

This 5-day workshop, limited to 20 participants, will have required readings, lectures, classroom assignments using laptops, as well as food tours and tastings. Come and learn of the cultural contributions that shape the way you eat, the way your family has eaten and what might change in the future.