Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.William Cowper
Many people ask me as a personal chef “what is your favorite food?” My answer is never one dish or even just one type of food. Instead it is an assortment, a multiplicity if you will of foods from countries that tend to have a rich food culture. I like Italian, French, Spanish, Argentinean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese food just to name a few. Each country has its own specific produce, proteins, carbohydrates, oils, and spices that provide food lovers a variety of exciting flavors to enjoy. In addition to the benefit of eating delicious food, having a diverse diet can improve your overall wellbeing with a healthy dose of diverse nutrients. And as a food lover, I much rather get my vitamins and nutrients from the food I eat rather that some little pill or colored vitamin drink. Surprisingly, several studies have found that people who take large doses of single nutrients such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C–aren’t any healthier than people who don’t. Research also suggests that relying on dietary supplements may not fully cover your nutritional bases. This opens the door for all of us to seek out a variety of foods from around the world. In sum, research points to eating a variety of foods for optimal health—great news for anyone who enjoys eating!
So, when deciding what to cook and eat, try to choose fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow. Purple Peruvian potatoes, yellow and orange heirloom tomatoes, violet red beets, and fresh green herbs should get your culinary mind excited and your mouth watering. Try new whole grains such as barley in soups or stews, new beans such as cannelini, lentils or garbanzo in salads. What once was difficult to discover, finding these diverse products now is much easier due to the number of farmers’ markets that have flourished. According to the USDA, since 1994 the number has more than doubled. The local and seasonal fruits and vegetables such markets sell are the cornerstones of healthful diets.
Furthermore, a wide range of lean protein is very good for you in moderate quantities. A small amount of meat like beef filets, beef rib and tips braised in wine, or flank steak can be good for your diet. Pork, poultry, and game also in moderate quantities can provide the same results as well. Seafood, my favorite due to its diversity, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein, and oilier fish contain substantial quantities of omega-3s, or the “good” fats in the human diet.
In support of this diverse and healthier eating style, the number of specialty groceries focused on these aspects has also has grown. From Central Market to our local Whole Foods, Phoenicia Bakery, Mandola’s or My Thanh these stores sell more than just food. They offer a variety of cooking lessons, nutrition information, and a gathering-place; a community center sensibility based on rich food cultures.
So, next time you think about what to cook and/or eat, think diversity in terms of produce, meat, grains, and nutritional benefits. Remember that variety is truly the spice of life and never more so than in the culinary arts. But most of all, when you take the time to cook—savor the meals that you share with family and friends.
