Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Sustainable Gastronomy Day History

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is a global event that aims to highlight the need for sustainable food production, consumption, and waste management. This observance focuses on ensuring the use of local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients in our culinary practices while preserving food biodiversity and supporting local farmers. It further emphasizes the importance of sustainability in gastronomy, which contributes to fostering cultural, social, and economic growth in communities worldwide.

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 18th as the Sustainable Gastronomy Day in 2016. India is home to a vast range of traditional and regional cuisines that rely on locally available ingredients. Sustainable Gastronomy Day serves to raise public awareness about the interdependence between agriculture, climate change, and food production, all of which are critical concerns in India. It also helps promote the use of native ingredients, promote the traditional knowledge related to Indian cuisine, and encourage sustainable gastronomic practices.

On Sustainable Gastronomy Day, several events take place across India to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the country while addressing the importance of sustainable food practices. Local food festivals, workshops, and seminars are organized, focusing on sustainable culinary methods and indigenous ingredients, as well as addressing issues like food security, reducing food wastage, and supporting local farmers. Chefs, food enthusiasts, and community members come together to engage in dialogue, sharing locally inspired, sustainable recipes, and fostering a culture of responsible gastronomy. The celebration takes place annually on June 18th, reminding everyone in the nation to commit to a collective effort to preserve the culinary traditions and sustainability of our planet.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day facts

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 1/3 of all the food produced in the world is either lost or wasted every year.
• UNESCO recognizes 30 food and drink-related traditions as part of its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Sustainable gastronomy encourages the utilization and promotion of locally grown or locally produced food products to reduce carbon footprint.
• India has one of the highest percentages of vegetarians in the world, with an estimated 20-40% of the population following a plant-based diet.
• Indian culinary practices avoid wastage by using every part of a plant or animal. For example, various parts of the banana plant are used for cooking, like the flower, stem, and leaves, which serve as eco-friendly, biodegradable plates.

In the News and Trending in India for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Top things to do in India for Sustainable Gastronomy Day

• Discover 6 tips on how to reduce food waste.
• Visit your local farmers market. By buying locally you can help support farmers and your community.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about gastronomy in India. Here are our recommendations:
  1. India's Frontier Railways (2014)- This three-episode documentary series explores India's vast railway network, focusing on the unique cuisine along the way. The chefs at each station create a variety of dishes showcasing the region's vibrant gastronomy.
  2. Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan (2018)- In this show, Australian celebrity chef Gary Mehigan takes us on a gastronomic journey through India, visiting various cities and trying their unique dishes. He also meets local chefs, learns about regional cooking techniques, and discovers the importance of Indian spices.
  3. Incredible India: Gastronomy (2015)- This National Geographic Channel documentary highlights the diverse flavors, rich history, and traditional dishes of Indian gastronomy, exploring various regions of India and showcasing their culinary heritage.
• Read a book to learn about sustainable gastronomy in India. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Indian Pantry: The Very Best of Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi - This book provides an insight into Indian culinary culture and celebrates local ingredients and sustainable cooking practices.
  2. Eating India: An Odyssey into the Food and Culture of the Land of Spices by Chitrita Banerji - This book explores the variety of regional cuisines in India, examining the rich history and sustainable gastronomic culture of the country.
  3. Indian Food And Ecology by Vandana Shiva - This book discusses the ecological significance of traditional Indian agricultural practices and the importance of sustainable gastronomy in preserving Indian food culture.