The migration of food

1. The Migration of Food
STUDENTS’ RESEARCH WORK IN
INTERNATIONAL TEAMS

2. INTRODUCTION
In frame of the eTwinning project “Cooking Detectives: in search of your
Granny’s kitchen Cultural Heritage!” Latvian and Italian students searched
for the great values of the Intangible Cultural Heritage related to food.They
explored the traditions, history and gastronomic culture of the partners'
countries.
Students in international groups worked collaboratively on this brochure to
discover the migration of the typical ingredients used in Latvian and Italian
cuisine. They gathered, shared, compared and presented information about
the history, growing requirements, cooking tips, medicinal uses and fun
facts of the key ingredients.
The great result of the students’ collaborative work is presented in this
brochure!

3. OLIVES
Julita, Endija Laura, Mareks (Latvia) - Sofia, Maria Fernanda, Simone (Italy)
History of Olives
It was being grown on Crete by 3,000 BC and may have been the source of
the wealth of the Minoan kingdom. The Phoenicians spread the olive to the
Mediterranean shores of Africa and Southern Europe. Olives have been
found in Egyptian tombs from 2,000 years BC. The olive culture was spread
to the early Greeks then Romans. As the Romans extended their domain
they brought the olive with them.

4. Migration of Olives
The olive was native to Asia Minor and spread from Iran, Syria and Palestine
to the rest of the Mediterranean basin 6,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest
known cultivated trees in the world. It was being grown before the written
language was invented.

5. Growing Requirements of Olives
Olive crops thrives best in climates with mild winters and long, dry
summers. Suitable geographic areas, for example, include Europe's
Mediterranean region and coastal valleys in the state of California.
Frost will kill many olive trees if care is not taken.
Make sure that bloom season is fairly dry and moderate.
·

6. Cooking with Olives
Olives usually are used as raw vegetables, but they can also be used boiled
or fried.
Some of tasty and interesting recipes from olives are:
● Olive bread
● Muffaletta
● Grain Salad with Olives and Whole-Lemon Vinaigrette.

7. Medicinal Uses of Olives
Olives are rich in antioxidants and hence are ideal for people suffering from
various types of skin ailments. There are various olive oil benefits like its
mildness, non irritant nature. Applying olive oil over skin makes it hydrated
and retains the smoothness and elasticity of the skin. Olive oil is good if you
have ear pain. The leaves are used in medicine as herb tea.

8. Interesting Facts about Olives
❖ The olive is a fruit, not a vegetable.
❖ Olive tree can reach 8 – 15 meters in height.
❖ The olive flower is white and only flowers after four years. First harvest
can be expected after 15 years.
❖ Olive tree is evergreen and can live up to 2000 years.
❖ The average life of an olive tree is between 300 and 600 years.
❖ The one of oldest olive tree in the world is on the island of Crete. The
tree is about 4,000 years old and is still producing fruit.

9. BARLEY
Kristina, Inga S., Kevins (Latvia) - Giada S., Giulia, Angelica,
Andrea C., Matteo, Vittoria (Italy)
History of Barley
Barley a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain grown in
temperate climates globally. It was one of the first cultivated grains,
particularly in Eurasia as early as 10,000 years ago.

10. Migration of Barley
Archaeological evidence dates barley cultivation to 5000 bce in Egypt,
2350 bce in Mesopotamia, 3000 bce in northwestern Europe, and 1500
bce in China.
Barley was also one of the principal crops that accompanied the
spread of agriculture into Europe during the 6th and 5th millennia BC.
Today it is grown throughout the continent, mainly for animal feed and
malt for brewing.

11. Growing Requirements of Barley
Barley is a drought resistant crop and requires 390 to 430 mm of rainfall for
optimum yield.
Maximum water use will occur for 21 to 28 days. Barley can be grown on a
wide range of soil types; ranging from heavy clays to light or sandy loam
soils. It grows well on fertile, deep loam soils with a pH of 6 to 7, 5.

12. Cooking with Barley
Some of tasty and interesting recipes from barley are:
· Barley pudding with poached rhubarb and ginger compote
· Toasted pearl barley with pistachios and raisins
· Barley soup
· Barley yoghurt
· Barley and lentil loaf
· Pearl barley pilaf

13. Medicinal Uses of Barley
· Lowers cholesterol level
· Control diabetes
· Prevents intestinal disorders
· Fights cancer
· Aids weight loss
· Prevents heart diseases
· Prevents gallstones

14. Fun Facts about Barley
❖ Its diffusion in Italy is linked to WW2.
❖ The first name is known as hippocratic herbal tea.
❖ There is a coffee maker for barley coffee.
❖ It is a low-calorie drink.
❖ It is rich of fiber.
❖ It has twice the vitamins C than in oranges.

15. DILL
Dmitrijs, Edgars, Katrina (Latvia) -Alessio, Alice, Anna,
Claudia, Matilde G., Giada P., Mosco (Italy)
History of Dill
Dill is a common herb that has been used since ancient times. The whole
plant, with immature seeds, is known as dill weed. It is generally used in
soups, salads, fish, potatoes and other dishes. The mature seed heads are
used to make dill pickles. Dill was used medicinally in the Middle Ages.

16. Migration of Dill
Dill originated in southern Russia, the Mediterranean, and Western Africa. It
has been used as a medicinal herb for at least 5,000 years. The Ancient
Egyptians used dill as a soothing medicine.

17. Growing Requirements of Dill
Dill grows best in the sunny location and rich soil. Dill weed does not grow
well when transplanted, so start the seeds fresh in the garden in early summer.
Make sure to shelter the plants from strong winds.
After 10 to 14 days, the plants should appear in the soil. In your garden, plant
dill next to cabbage or onions, but keep it away from carrots.

18. Cooking with Dill
Dill is a plant that has a long history as a culinary spice.
As a garnish, dill is excellent on cold soups featuring beets, cucumbers or
yogurt.
Dill weed pairs particularly well with all types of seafood.
It is also good with spreads, sour cream, cream cheese and meat.
Dill leaves can be snipped and frozen in ziplock bags.
Dill vinegar can be prepared by soaking a few leaves in vinegar for 4 or 5 days.

19. Medicinal Uses of Dill
Dill is used as a magic weapon in medicine.
Dill is used for digestion problems including loss of appetite, intestinal gas,
liver problems and gallbladder complaints.
You'll get a significant boost of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps
your body to resist infection.
Dill is also a good source of fiber, folate, calcium for healthy bones, riboflavin
for cell function and development, manganese and iron.

20. Fun Facts about Dill
The dill could be considered an ancestor of the chewing gum: in the USA, in
the past, the seeds of dill and fennel were called meeting seeds, since in the
church children were chewed to make them feel good during the long and
boring sermons.

21. POTATO
Vladislavs, Artjoms, Sintija (Latvia) - Eva, Anita, Giacomo,
Gabriel, Andrea, Andra, Marika P. (Italy)
History of Potato
Potatoes were introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
By the end of the century many countries had adopted this new vegetable and
integrated it into their cuisines. Preparation methods and recipes were
developed according to local culinary traditions. After centuries of expansion,
potato became one of the most beloved vegetables in the world

22. Migration of Potato
The potato originated in Peru and was cultivated for over 2,000 years by the
Inca people before becoming a popular staple food in Europe. In 1536
Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the
potato, and carried them to Europe.

23. Growing Requirements of Potato
Growing potatoes requires cool climate. Potatoes grow best in temperature
of 15-20(°C). Hot weather will reduce the number of tubers per plant.
Nevertheless, it has the ability to adapt to a wide range of climate
conditions. The potato grows best in well-drained soils and pH is optimal
between 4.8 to 5.8.
.

24. Cooking with Potato
Potatoes are famous all over the world!
Potato can be: fried, boiled, baked, stewed.
From potato you can cook over 1000 dishes, some of them are:
Skinny Cheesy Potato Casserole Mashed Potato Puffs
Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips Loaded Mashed Potato
Balls
Mustard-Crusted Potatoes Easy PotatoPancakes
Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes

25. Medicinal Uses of Potato
· Best known as a staple food, the potato is claimed to have medicinal
qualities. It is a nutritious vegetable, particularly when cooked in its skin
with little or no fat, the potato contain fibre, vitamin C, B vitamins,
potassium, iron, zinc and calcium.
Modern research has shown that potatoes could indeed have a role in
blood pressure control. Potatoes also contain folate. Folate plays a role in
DNA synthesis and repair, and so it prevents many types of cancer cells
from forming. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to help prevent damage
caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. Vitamin C also helps collagen
smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

26. Fun Facts about Potato
❖ The world's largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces.
❖ This is enough for more than 70 portions of medium fries at McDonalds.
This gigantic potato was found in England in 1795.
❖ The potato is considered as the fourth most important crop behind the
corn, wheat, and rice.
❖ A potato battery is quite powerful — one can supply enough power to light
a room for a month.

27. TOMATO
Ostins, Darja, Janis Lauris(Latvia) - Chiara, Eleonora (Italy)
History of Tomato
History of the tomato reaches 2500 years to the past, when people of ancient
Aztec empire saw its value and integrated it into their lives, medicine and
cuisine. Now, this fascinating vegetable represents one of the most popular
vegetables in the world that is present in many dishes and diets.

28. Migration of Tomato
Tomatoes originated in the South American Andes around the area of modern
day Peru and was first used as a food by the Aztec's in Southern Mexico.
The tomato arrived in Europe in 1540 when the conquistador Hernán Cortés,
returning home, brought some specimen.
SOURCE:
https://testtubekitchen.wordpress.com

29. Growing Requirements of Tomato
Tomato is an annual plant. Its berries, with their characteristic red color, are
widely used in food in many countries of the world.
The tomato flavor is commonly described as sweet, sour, spicy or balanced.
There are six main requirements for successful tomato growing:
● Sunlight. Tomatoes require a minimum of 8 hours of continuous
sunlight each day.
● Temperature. Tomatoes need 3 to 4 months of warm, clear, fairly dry
weather to produce best.
● Continuous and even watering.
● Continuous feeding.
● Loose, well-drained soil.
● Protect leaves and roots.

30. Cooking with Tomato
The tomato is eaten in many different ways, raw like a fruit, as an ingredient in
many dishes, sauces, salsas, salads, processed into ketchup or tomato soup.
Tomato juice is made as a drink and used in cocktails like a Bloody Mary.
What dishes can you cook with tomatoes?
● Different vegetable salads.
● Homemade Tomato Ketchup.
● Tomato Salsa.
● Gazpacho.
● Tomato Jam.
● Raw, Fresh Tomato Sauce.
● Tomato Purée.
● Slow-Roasted Tomatoes.

31. Medicinal Uses of Tomato
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which
has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart
disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium,
folate, and vitamin K.
It is also used to prevent diabetes, diseases of the heart and blood vessels,
cataracts, and asthma.

32. Fun Facts about Tomato
❖ The biggest tomato fight in the world happens each year in the small
Spanish town of Buñol. The festival called La Tomatina, involves some
40,000 people throwing 150,000 tomatoes at each other.
❖ The Guinness World Record for most tomatoes harvested from a single
plant over one year weighed 522.464 kg with 32,194 tomatoes harvested
between May 2005 and April 2006.
❖ The heaviest tomato according to Guinness World Record weighed 3.51
kg and was grown by G. Graham in 1986, Oklahoma, USA.
❖ The scientific name for tomato is
Lycopersicon lycopersicum meaning wolf peach.

33. Production of Tomatoes in the World
China =42 million, the largest world
producer of tomato
United States= 13 million
India=12 million Turkey= 10 million Egypt=8,5 million
Italy= 5,5 million

34. RYE
Sergejs, Jegors, Arnita Emilija (Latvia) - Valentina, Alioune, Gabriele (Italy)
History of Rye
Rye is closely related to wheat and barley, and originated as a weed
growing in grain fields. It's direct heritage is unknown. Cultivated rye is
believed to have originated from a wild rye in southwestern Asia
somewhere around 1800-1500 BC.

35. Migration of Rye
Rye began to develop first in Asia Minor then in Europe the first
archaeological remains of rye were found in the current Slovak Republic.
Since the Middle Ages, rye has been widely cultivated in Central and Eastern
Europe and is the main bread cereal in most areas east of the French-
German border and north of Hungary.
In Europe rye became staple grain for bread, but was regarded as inferior to
wheat bread, which was a luxury food.

36. Growing Requirements of Rye
Rye is one of the easiest crops to grow.
Winter rye does best on well-drained loamy soils but can handle heavy clay and
sandy soils. Optimum solid pH is 5.0 to 7.0 but can tolerate 4.5 to 8.0. Winter rye
can be planted from late summer to late fall depending on the use of the crop.

37. Cooking with Rye
Rye is recommended for those who must follow a weight loss diet because,
compared to other cereals, it has fewer calories and has the ability to absorb
large amounts of water, thus increasing the sense of satiety.
It is useful for those who have liver problems because it stimulates their
activity. In the kitchen it is mainly used in the form of flour for the production
of bread and baked goods
Here are some examples of recipes with rye:
1) Bread
2) Rye soup.
3) Sweet rye (sweet soup)
4) Flan

38. Medicinal Uses of Rye
Rye can improve heart health, relieve constipation, prevent cancer,
control diabetes, aid weight loss, and boost metabolism.
Rye grains can be eaten whole. This way, they are either eaten as boiled
rye berries or as rolled rye, similar to rolled oats.
Rye is very healthy. It’s a good source of soluble fiber, vitamin E,
calcium, iron, and potassium, and has been linked to a reduced risk of
cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, breast cancer and diabetes.

39. Fun Facts about Rye
❖ Because rye such a carb-rich grain, it can help make you feel full, even
more so than eating wheat products, which in theory means you might
eat less.
❖ Rye is a green grain. It’s not green in color. But it is environmentally
friendly.

40. Production of Rye in the World
1) Germany
2) Poland
3) Russia
4) Belarus
5) China
6) Ukraine
7) Denmark
8) Turkey
9) Canada
10) Spain

41. GARLIC
Annija, Amanda, Daniels (Latvia) - Manuel, Ludovica,
Valeria, Ilaria, Matilde P, Marco(Italy)
History of Garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest known food flavoring and seasoning plant that
managed to infuse itself into culinary tradition of many civilizations across
the world. It started its journey in central Asia, domesticated during
Neolithic times, spread to the Middle East and northern Africa in 3000 BC,
which quickly enabled it to reach Europe.

42. Migration of Garlic
The incredible journey of garlic through our history touched every major
civilization of the ancient world, but its true origin lie in West and Central
Asia.
This plant was identified by the ancient Indians who managed to
domesticate it around 6 thousand years ago, incorporating its taste and
medicinal properties in their famous culture.
Around 3000 BC, trading parties from India reached Middle East, where
they introduced garlic to the mighty Babylonian and Assyrian empires,
who embraced this plant and spread it across neighboring civilizations.

43. Growing Requirements of Garlic
Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but
fall planting is recommended for most gardeners.
Garlic roots develop in the fall and winter, and by early spring they can
support the rapid leaf growth that is necessary to form large bulbs.
Garlic needs to grow in a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil.

44. Cooking with Garlic
Garlic is not a main ingredient in meals because it is used to flavor them. It is
often put into pasta, bread, pizza, meat dishes or salad because the taste in
pleasant in every meal.

45. Medicinal Uses of Garlic
Medical books from 1660s described it as an excellent cure for plague and
small pox. On the more serious note, famous chemist and microbiologist
proved in 1858 that garlic could kill germs, greatly reducing the possibility of
wound infections. Because of these findings, garlic was used extensively as an
antiseptic and dysentery cure during both World Wars.

46. Fun Facts about Garlic
❖ In 2010, worldwide production of garlic reached 17.6 million tons with China
as an absolute leader of production and export with 13.6 million tons.
❖ Garlic is said to fight off evil spirits, and keep vampires away.
❖ There are over 300 varieties of garlic grown throughout the world.
❖ The city of Chicago is named after garlic. 'Chicagaoua' was the Indian word
for wild garlic.
❖ In ancient Greece, brides carried bouquets of herbs and garlic, not flowers.

47. SOURCES:
https://pixabay.com
http://www.ecoliteracy.org
http://www.vegetablefacts.net
https://www.scribblemaps.com
https://www.smart-fertilizer.com/articles
https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com
https://mobile-cuisine.com
https://www.buzzfeed.com
https://harvesttotable.com
https://www.finecooking.com
https://www.webmd.com
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food

48. CREATED BY:
Daugavpils Sakanas Basic school (LATVIA)
http://www.saskanas.lv
I.C. San Giorgio di Mantova (ITALY)
http://www.icsangiorgio.gov.it
This brochure is created in frame of the eTwinning project
“Cooking Detectives: in search of your Granny’s kitchen
Cultural Heritage!”
Project Twinspace:
https://twinspace.etwinning.net/79310/home