what do people eat? foods of the world: staple foods
TRANSCRIPT
What do people eat?
Foods of the World:Staple Foods
Staple Foods
Staple Foods: Foods that make up a region’s basic food supply
Food staples are eaten regularly—even daily—and supply a major proportion of a person’s energy and nutritional needs.
What would influence a region’s choice of staple foods?
Influences on Staple Foods
1) Geography
Rich soil vs. rocky mountains
Climate
Extreme temperatures limit growth of foods
Rainfall
Influences on Staple Foods
2) Cost
Most food staples are inexpensive, plant based foods
ProductAverage
Costper kg
Wheat $0.309
Rice $0.565
Cassava(root)
$0.102
Beef $4.22
*as of March 2013
Influences on Staple Foods
3) Storage
How long can the item be stored?
Average shelf life of rice = 24 months
Average shelf life of beef = 14 days
Influences on Staple Foods
4) Nutrient Content
Staple Grain
Energy (kJ/100 g)
Wheat 1419
Rice 1528
Soybean 615
Potato 322
Plantain 511
Cassava 670
Corn 360
Staple Foods of the World
Often a grain that is best suited to the climate of the area
Wheat – 35% of world’s population relies on wheat. The primary grain of the world’s richest countries.
High protein content.
Netherlands, Belgium, Canada
Staple Foods of the World
Corn – 2nd largest cereal crop. Also called maize.
Very versatile (corn flour, cornstarch, ethanol, polenta)
Israel, US, Central America
Staple Foods of the World
Rice – over 7000 varieties around the world.
High energy.
Indonesia, China, Japan,
Staple Foods of the World
Millet –can grow in poor soil with little rainfall. Usually cooked as porridge and made into flat bread.
Africa
Staple Foods of the World
Potatoes –are hardy, quick to grow, and require less land and labour than grains.
Central America, Mexico
Staple Foods of the World
Sorghum – a drought-resistant crop. Often made into porridge or bread. In the USA sorghum is used to feed animals.
Africa
Many Other Staple Foods…
Plantains: Fruit all year round, making them a reliable food source
Indonesia, Africa, Central America
Many Other Staple Foods…
Yams: Can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration
Indonesia, Africa, Central America
Many Other Staple Foods…
Cassava: Drought resistant crop
South America