what are the steps of the food system?
- primary production
- processing and packaging
- distribution and access
- media and marketing
- consumption
- waste management of food
what is culture?
knowledge, characteristics, behaviors, practices and traditions of a particular group of people
what is cuisine?
ingredients, techniques and dishes that represent a style of cooking associated with a particular cuisine and particular ingredients from a region.
what is primary production?
raw materials converted into basic food commodities
what is processing and packaging?
involves changing the state of foods produced during primary production into other products
what is distribution and access?
distribution involves the transportation, storage and sales of food
access refers to how and where we get our food from
what is media and marketing?
when someone promotes the sale of food products or food services.
what is consumption?
the act of eating food
it can occur anywhere and everywhere
what is waste management?
involves reducing the amount of wastage produced during all the steps throughout the food system.
e.g.
using all the parts of an animal such as its eyes, fur, etc
feeding food waste to animals
how has Lebanese cuisine developed over time?
through cultural exchange, migration, and changing food trends. Traditionally, it focused on fresh ingredients like vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and grains. As Lebanese people migrated to countries like Australia and the U.S., they brought their food with them, influencing and being influenced by other cuisines. Over time, dishes were adapted to suit local tastes and modern lifestyles—for example, using new ingredients like quinoa or preparing meals in quicker, healthier ways. Today, Lebanese cuisine includes both traditional meals and modern versions, showing a mix of cultural tradition and innovation.
key factors that have influenced lebanese cuisine
geography
-narrow valleys that lead downward to sea enables farmers to grow crops
-natural springs meant early farmers could create complex irrigation systems to cultivate
-its elevation excretes microclimates that allow cultivation of broad range of crops
climate
-cool, wet winters help crops (wheat, barley, veggies) grow
-hot, dry summers helps crops (olives, cucumbers, tomatoes) grow
-northwest wind brings cooler air from sea, which increases humidity levels for crops that require moisture
how traditional lebanese ingredients are used today and how the cuisine has evolved
Traditional Lebanese ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, olive oil, bulgur, garlic, and fresh herbs are still used today in many dishes such as hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh. Over time, Lebanese cuisine has evolved due to global migration and changing food trends. Traditional meals are now often adapted to suit modern diets, like using quinoa instead of bulgur or baking instead of frying. Lebanese food is also popular as street food and in fusion dishes around the world. Despite changes, the cuisine still focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients and strong cultural flavours.
