AI Article Synopsis

  • The article explores the traditional knowledge surrounding acorn-based bread by documenting its ingredients, preparation techniques, and consumption practices across several Mediterranean, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Through qualitative research involving 67 participants, the study uncovers variations in how acorn bread is made and used, emphasizing its historical role primarily as a famine food over the last two centuries.
  • The findings suggest that reviving acorn products and their cultural significance could promote sustainable development, enhance food security in vulnerable regions, and inspire innovative food products aligned with current food trends.

Article Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the limited literature on traditional gastronomic knowledge concerning acorn-based bread by ethnographically documenting the ingredients, preparation techniques and consumption practices of baked goods made from acorn seeds and flour that are still used today or at least still present in living memory. A qualitative comparative case method was adopted, and ethnographic data were gathered from 67 people in six selected Mediterranean, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The analysis highlighted distinct trajectories in the development of acorn-based bread, showing some differences in terms of ingredients, preparation techniques and baking methods in the two cultural and geographical macro-regions. By exploring the evolution of the alimentary role of acorn bread in the past century, our findings also support the hypothesis that the product, at least during the last two centuries, has mostly been used as a famine food. By acknowledging the cultural importance of acorn fruits and acorn-based products, this study suggests that the rediscovery of acorn-based products and associated traditional knowledge may foster the sustainable development of rural and marginal regions in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Central Asia. This could help to reinforce the resilience of local communities and thus increase food security. Furthermore, reassessing acorns as a foodstuff may aid in developing innovative products in line with emerging trends in the food sector, which is looking for new non-cereal-based bakery products and other novel culinary applications.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9738068PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods11233898DOI Listing

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