Blog 10: Food!!

New Zealand food is influenced majorly by the pacific islands, like Japan, because they trade with them the most, and are the closest to them. Also, like the US, a major influence on food is England because England controlled both the US and New Zealand for a long time, unit we got Independence. Maori cuisine also influenced the food in New Zealand because the Maori's are the native tribe to New Zealand. Just like America, New Zealand has had a ton of immigrants. They have also impacted the food they eat there today because they brought their native foods to New Zealand. Basically, there is a wide rage of food that people are able to eat there.

New Zealand prepares their traditional BBQ a little different than, here in the USA. They cook food in an underground pit that is filled with hot stones. Then, the food that they are going to eat is put in. Which is usually meat and potatoes, and left to cook for a couple hours. Unlike here, where we fire up the grill to make burgers and hot dogs. Another thing they make is fish and chips, but they serve in similar to how we get burgers from McDonald's....wrapped in paper.

Typical ingredients to be used in the various food made by Kiwi's would be seafood, lamb, venison, and various fruits. Unlike the US where we have various meats, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and wheat.

Finally, an example of traditional New Zealand food is the Maori Hangi. This is when they cook the food in earth ovens. In these they either boil, steam, or roast the food. As opposed to the traditional American meal which varies from person to person due to their heritage.

I am most excited about trying vegemite, although I know I probably won't like it, because it is something completely different than what we have here, mostly because Australia and New Zealand are the only countries who like it. Also, I am excited to try different foods that I haven't even heard of yet, because in the end I will broaden the types of food I like, and maybe I will be able to find something really intresting that I could make at home for my family. Honestly, I am excited for everything, and I want to try it all!