“A loaf of bread,” the Walrus said,
“Is chiefly what we need:
Pepper and vinegar besides-
Are very good indeed
Now if you’re ready, oysters dear, 
We can begin to feed.” 
                                     --LEWIS CARROLL, THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS 

Since our early beginnings as hunter-gatherers, food has long been an important aspect of our daily lives.  Food is central to life.  No living creature can endure for very long without it.  However, throughout the world, the way in which food influences culture and conversely how culture influences food varies greatly.  For some, food is merely an aspect of nutrition and sustenance. Others view it as a commodity to be produced and traded.  These aspects are valid, although it would be remiss to not observe that food is what differentiates classes, feeds identities and defines cultures.
It was the pursuit of a direct route to the Indies and their abundant supply of spices that drove explorers like Christopher Columbus to discover the New World (North and South America) and its new and diverse foods.  Interestingly enough, foods from the New World are now found all over Europe, Asia and Africa.  The countries and cultures within these areas have been greatly influenced by NWF's.  So what is the big deal you say?  These foods have been integrated in such a way that without them, these cultures would be removed of that which is a significant feature in cuisine and culture.  It is difficult to consider the histories and cuisines of Ireland and Eastern Europe without the potato, as well as the Italian culture without the tomato.  It is just as impossible to think of the gastronomy of Thailand, India or Chinese Szechwan without chilies.
This week I will giving an homage to countries that have a significant use of these foods, including some history for reference and basic interest, along with recipes.  I hope you enjoy these postings as much as I have in my research of them. -M