Influence of Geographic Location on Food Choices

Geographic location has a profound impact on food choices available and adopted by individuals and communities.
Climate conditions greatly influence the types of crops that can be grown, the animals that can be reared and the fishing opportunities in a region.
Availability of fresh water can also dictate the type of food grown and consumed. For instance, areas with ample fresh water supply can support a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Ground conditions and soil type determine which crops can flourish. For example, rice is predominant in swampy waterlogged regions, and wheat in drier climates.
Physical geography might affect food transport, especially to isolated or difficult-to-reach places. Lack of transport can limit access to a variety of foods.
Certain geography-related conditions, such as high altitudes or extreme temperatures, may require special diets or unique ways of food preservation.
Coastal regions tend to have a higher consumption of fish and seafood, whilst inland regions may rely more heavily on livestock for protein sources.

Traditional dishes often reflect the local ingredients available. For instance, Mediterranean diet is high in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and fish due to the region’s temperate climate and coastal location.
Food choices can be constrained by seasonality, especially in regions that experience dramatic weather changes throughout the year. This encourages a diet that varies with the season.
Geographic location can also lead to food taboos and cultural practices. For instance, in some Hindu communities in India, consumption of beef is avoided due to religious belief.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in determining local diets. Geography dictates what can be grown and thus what is consumed.
Similarly, animal husbandry is heavily influenced by geographic factors. For instance, sheep farming is more common in hilly regions, whilst flat, fertile areas might be used for dairy farming or crop cultivation.

Communities have found various ways to adapt and innovate to geographic constraints. This includes building terraces for farming on hilly terrains or using greenhouses to cultivate crops outside their optimal climate.
Introduction of new crops or livestock to a region, termed as bio-cultural adaption, can diversify and enrich the local diet. The introduction of potato to Europe from the Americas is a striking example of this.

Despite geographic limitations, global trade and transport have allowed for a widening variety of food to be available worldwide.
This availability, however, might be unequal. It is possible for supermarket shelves to be stacked with global foods in wealthy cities, whilst rural areas in the same country struggle with food availability or variety. This disparity is known as food insecurity.