Global Cuisines by Jenny Smith - Books

Global Cuisines

By Jenny Smith Cookbooks, Food & Wine 03/02/2025

"Global Cuisines" presents an enlightening exploration of worldwide culinary traditions, examining how food practices have shaped human societies throughout history. This comprehensive work delves into three crucial aspects of global food culture: time-tested cooking methods, ingredient migration across continents, and the cultural significance of specific dishes within different societies.

The book uniquely combines anthropological research with practical culinary knowledge, making complex food history accessible to both casual readers and serious food enthusiasts. The text progresses systematically through various regions, revealing fascinating insights such as the evolution of fermentation techniques in East Asia and the profound impact of the Columbian Exchange on worldwide cooking practices.

Through detailed case studies, readers discover how ingredients like tomatoes and chilies revolutionized traditional cuisines across continents, and how ancient cooking methods like earth oven cooking in Polynesia continue to influence modern gastronomy. The book stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, connecting culinary practices to chemistry, agriculture, and sociology while maintaining practical relevance for contemporary cooking.

Rather than simply presenting recipes, it equips readers with a deeper understanding of cooking principles and cultural contexts, allowing them to appreciate the complex relationships between food, society, and tradition. This approach makes it particularly valuable for culinary students, food historians, and home cooks seeking to understand the broader context of global cooking techniques and food traditions.