Old world Quote by Raymond Sokolov
““The exchange of foodstuffs began as a deliberate policy of the Spanish crown. Old World crops and livestock were introduced to Mexico and Peru to support a civilized (that is, Spanish) way of live for the colonists, and New World exotica were sent to Spain as novelties and for agricultural exploitation. But once tomatoes had taken root in Italy, once cattle provided beef and gave milk in Mexico, then local cooks put these wonderful new foods to new uses. And the world changed.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Food and Empire, 2012
Spanish colonial policies introduced Old World foods to the Americas, while New World foods transformed European diets, reshaping global cuisine.
In simple terms: Spanish trade swapped foods, changing diets worldwide.
Key Takeaway
Recognize food’s role in cultural exchange.
Themes
colonialism
globalization
cuisine
Mood
historical
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- culinary arts
- education
- travel
- trade negotiations
Key Concepts
economic history
agricultural science
Questions to Reflect On
- How did these exchanges affect indigenous societies?
- What modern dishes trace back to these swaps?
A Different Perspective
Food exchange also involved exploitation and cultural loss.
![“Reservations and cloth napkins are really minor pinnacles in the high sierra of the New York lunch. The zenith, the Mount Whitney of lunches, the noon meal at which all local lines of force converge [is] the Bar Room of the Four Seasons.” quote by Raymond Sokolov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b62/raymond-sokolov-44829_bars_reservations-and-cloth-napkins-are-reall_1481441.jpg)
