The cuisine is a concept whose etymological origin derives from the Greek language, specifically the words "Nomos" and "GASTROS" which being translated to the Spanish means "law" and "stomach" respectively. Taking this into account, it can be said that it is the study of the relationship that exists between a person, the environment that surrounds him and food. Therefore, it is remarkable that this branch not only encompasses complex cooking techniques, but also the link that people have with the environment where they obtain their food and the way in which they use it.
What is gastronomy
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To understand what gastronomy is, the first thing to know is that it is an art of preparing exquisite meals. It consists of a series of theoretical concepts and some practical techniques that are related to this area, such as recipes, techniques, ingredients and the way of preparing, without also neglecting the evolution, meaning and history of gastronomy for each culture that gastronomy represents.
Therefore, it is also a practice that not only emphasizes the preparation of food, but also emphasizes the relationship of these with human beings, the environment from which they obtain said food and the way in which it uses them, as well as well as the social and cultural aspects that intervene in the relationship the societies of the world establish with their gastronomy.
An important aspect to better understand gastronomy is that in fact it has different facets, they include all the stages that are related to food. It can be said that it is the way in which it has become a social and cultural phenomenon, since in addition to placing great emphasis on what food preparation is, it is also included in the social process that involves sitting down to eat in a table.
In this way, gastronomy is usually related to the dedication of an area to enjoy food or to interact while enjoying it. In the same way, other related services are also developed, such as preparing the table, removing utensils that have already been used, among others. For all these reasons, it must be encompassed as a process that has a great relationship with the way in which food is prepared, but it also delves into all that this implies, which is important to take into account when understanding what gastronomy is.
Importance of gastronomy in the world
Its importance lies in each of the regions where it is generated, allowing to know the culture of each people to which it corresponds, since in addition to providing delicious and unique flavors, gastronomy speaks directly about the customs and ways of life of the inhabitants of a region, showing the antiquity of each town, the use of the local resources and the advances that have occurred over the years.
In order to understand how important it is, it is first necessary to understand that consuming food is one of the basic needs of human beings, so the first men to inhabit the planet, adapt their menu to everything that was available to them. However, until this being did not manage to establish itself and moved away from the nomadic life, it could not develop any type of customs related to gastronomy, which began to make their appearance at the time when those in charge of the kitchen had to think about what foods to cook for your relatives.
Seen from a medical point of view, gastronomy plays an extremely important role for people's health, since there are some culinary traditions that are related to the increase in the rates of some pathologies, as well as it is possible that they can serve to the reduction of other pathologies. An example of this can be found in the eastern region of the planet, specifically in Japan, where it is possible to find people of quite advanced age, but who have managed to maintain themselves over time, which is partly thanks to the diet that keep.
Study gastronomy
At present it is possible practically anywhere in the world, since there are gastronomy schools that allow it to be done, this career also has a large number of advantages, one of them is the fact that it allows to know and enter different cultures.
The desire on the part of the person to want to know new techniques to prepare food, as well as ingredients that perhaps they did not know, makes it inevitable to delve into new cultures, with the aim of learning a little more about them. Also as part of learning, it is possible to travel to different places while acquiring more experience and always with the aim of developing a new product that pleases people, as well as the diversity of preparation of the dishes.
From a psychological point of view, there are those who describe personal growth as another benefit of this study, since studying gastronomy and becoming a Chef and obtaining a degree in gastronomy, not only implies studying and learning about the art of cooking, but also It also represents a commitment to innovate in areas that are already known and learn more and more.
The gastronomy school must also train professionals who have the ability to work in any type of restaurant or, failing that, they will be able to start their own business with infinite possibilities in that area, both in the region in which they decide to establish themselves, as in any place of the world.
Another point in favor which must be highlighted, for those interested in studying gastronomy, is the fact that studying gastronomy allows the student to expand their knowledge, as well as to develop their creativity to the maximum potential, since the Cooking is comparable to what art is as a trade proper. While the gastronomic professional is discovering new recipes and products, they will be able to elaborate new dishes or also innovate with existing recipes, which will also contribute to the increase in their popularity, something that is also important in this sector.
Regarding the study plan, gastronomy schools compose the content for both practical and theoretical subjects, each with a specific objective of importance for the development of the student.
Another aspect that must be taken into account when studying gastronomy is that generally this career lasts approximately 4 years, however it may vary depending on the region or the school that offers it. Likewise, the professional who manages to graduate and obtain his degree, will be trained for the following tasks:
- Create, develop and manage your own business related to gastronomy.
- It will have the capacity to manage gourmet chains, restaurants, hotels, franchises, events, catering companies, still lifes, among others.
- You can carry out various analyzes of the different markets, being able to transform them into opportunities to create or develop a business.
The subjects that must be taken in the first year of the degree are similar in any region of the world, however it is possible that there are minimal variations depending on each gastronomy school that teaches it.
Study pensum
First year of career
a) First semester
- Administration.
- Gastronomy and Cuisine.
- Introduction to gastronomy.
- Nutrition and products.
- Introduction to research.
b) Second semester
second year of the degree
a) First semester
- Oenology and beverages I.
- Marketing II.
- Gastronomy and Cuisine III.
- Public relations.
- Fundamentals of economics and finance.
b) Second semester
- Cost analysis.
- Oenology and drinks II.
- Ceremonial and protocol.
- Gastronomy and Cuisine IV.
- Human resources management.
Third year of career
a) First semester
- Gastronomic Services I.
- Nutrition and Products II.
- Gastronomic Services II.
- Foreign language O.
- Event organization.
b) Second Semester
- Business strategies.
- Gastronomy and Cuisine V.
- Gastronomic Services II.
- Foreign language II.
- Right to.
Fourth year of career
a) First semester
- Image and setting I.
- Gastronomic projects III.
- Foreign language III.
- Right B.
- Integration seminar I.
b) Second semester
- Foreign languages IV.
- Image and setting II.
- Gastronomic projects IV.
- Elective.
- Integration Seminar II.
Gastronomy of Mexico
Mexican gastronomy has a wide variety of typical dishes, it is for this reason that UNESCO has recognized it as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Among the most important ingredients that are part of the gastronomy of Mexico, corn or corn, chili or hot chili, beans, coriander, tomato, nopal and piloncillo stand out.
It is characterized by its iconic sauces or dressings, which usually accompany typical dishes and it should be noted that they are made based on spices.
Throughout the centuries, Mexican gastronomy influenced and has been influenced by the gastronomy of other cultures, such as that of Spain, France, the Middle East, Africa and towards. Many of the typical dishes that are currently representative of Mexico, were developed during the pre-Hispanic period, for which they serve as historical testimony of this town and have been the flag at important moments in the history of that country. There is a wide range of flavors, colors, influences and textures that make it very attractive both for natives of the region and for foreigners. All of this makes it clear that Mexico is undoubtedly famous for its food.
The gastronomic variety is one of the main characteristics of that country, and regional food is one of the basic aspects of it. In Mexico, in each state and region, they have created their own recipes, techniques and gastronomic traditions, the gastronomy of Veracruz and the gastronomy of Chiapas are among the most popular in Mexico.
Some of the clearest examples of regional dishes are; the Oaxacan mole, Durango caldillo, mole poblano, varieties of pozole, bread folksy heart, kid, churipo, curtains, often, among others. It is clear that there are creations of dishes that originated locally, but thanks to their high quality and great acceptance by the public, as well as their diffusion, they have become emblematic dishes of Mexican cuisine. It should be noted that in any market it is possible to come across such a diversity of foods, the morning activity being typical with breakfasts such as chilaquiles, sweet muffins, drinks that include milk, chocolate, coffee or simply juice.
International gastronomy
When thinking about international cuisine, different types of food immediately come to mind, including Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese cuisine, American cuisine, Swiss cuisine, and Spanish cuisine.
Gastronomy as an object of study has been analyzed from different points of view, however based on four stages in the history of mankind which are: Ancient Age, Middle Ages, Modern Age and the Contemporary Age. Throughout the centuries, human beings have evolved and with them their way of feeding, an example of this is that at first man lived at the top of the trees, however with the passage of time he looked for a place to shelter From the onslaught of the weather, he developed techniques to make his own clothes, as well as his diet.
The ways in which he ate were changing and evolving, he was eating healthier, establishing meal times, creating tools to eat some foods, such as forks, spoons, dishes, among others. All of this to the point of refinement. At the international level, each country has had its experience and evolution in this area.
Mexican food
In international gastronomy, Mexican food occupies an important place, since in many regions of the world its dishes are very popular, all Mexican dishes, the number in terms of popularity, is the taco, this is without a doubt the appetizer par excellence of all the feasts in Mexico. So also the tortillas, which serve as the base for the taco, are today a common element in supermarkets around the world.
Tamales are corn dough buns, stuffed with pork, chicken, mole, red or green sauce and pipián, which are traditionally wrapped in corn, maguey or banana leaves, although it is also possible to wrap them in plastic or paper aluminum. On the other hand, the pozole is a cacahuazintle corn soup, mixed with beef or pork, chili, lettuce and onion, it is also possible to add other ingredients when serving the dish.
Chinese Food
This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and ancient in the world and of international gastronomy, with a great tradition and very well represented worldwide, Chinese gastronomy has been the result of the creation of different dishes in different cities of China, and that over the years has managed to expand throughout the world, from the region of southeast Asia, reaching America, to the European continent.
Chinese gastronomy is not only related to society, but also has ties to Chinese medicine and philosophy. Therefore, it is divided into the "cai" which is everything related to cooked vegetables and everything that accompanies cereals and cereals as such or the "fan". For its part, the "yin" are those fresh foods with plenty of water, such as fruits and vegetables. While yang foods, include those dishes fried made of meat and seasoned with spices.
Italian food
In international gastronomy, it is one of the most varied, which is a reflection of a great mix of cultures in its different regions as well as the diversity in its history as such. Italian cuisine is encompassed within the Mediterranean gastronomic culture and is practiced in much of the world.
Something common is that Italian cuisine is recognized worldwide for its most popular dishes, such as pasta and pizza, however it should be noted that other aspects stand out, such as the fact that they coexist there a great variety of aromas and flavors characteristic of the Mediterranean. A very good way to learn a little more about this gastronomy is through the so-called gastronomic museums, as well as the products that are harvested on their lands.
Swiss food
This is characterized by merging different elements of gastronomy such as French, German and northern Italy, also presenting marked differences between regions. Today many dishes have already managed to break the local border, gaining popularity outside of Switzerland, some of the best known dishes are cheese fondue, Älplermagronen and Rösti.
American food
North American food is the result of a very diverse fusion both internally and externally, this is because it is a country mainly of immigrants who came from Europe, Asia, Africa. It is possible to call indigenous North American food as indigenous, since the rest would be a combination of other cultures that were taken to different extremes. On the one hand there is the popular fast food, which is mainly characterized by its marketing, and on the other hand there is the traditional food, established by the livestock traditions of antiquity, such as cattle, goats and sheep.
Within the United States, the most popular foreign cuisines are Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. In its gastronomic culture, ingredients such as turkey, beans, potatoes, peppers, corn, different varieties of cucumber are usually used, which in ancient times were typical ingredients of the natives and which are currently kept within their gastronomy.
Spanish food
The gastronomy of Spain is characterized by the use of few spices, the use of olive oil being quite wide, thanks to the diversity of regions, there is also a great variety of vegetables, greens, cereals, meat and fish, so it is considered that the ingredients are what enrich the dishes beyond their preparation. Among the most iconic dishes in Spain are Valencian paella, desserts such as donuts, chocolate with churros and curd.
