The staple food is a food that forms the dominant portion of the diet of a nation. Food staples are consumed occasionally, often regularly, and provide a large proportion of the energy and nutritional needs of a human.
Depending on the food sources available, food staples differ from place to place. Cheap, plant-based foods are most food staples. For energy, they are usually full of calories. The most popular food staples are cereal grains and tubers.
In the world, there are more than 50,000 edible plants, but only 15 of them provide 90% of the world’s food intake. Two-thirds of these are barley, corn (maize), and wheat.
Millet and sorghum; tubers such as potatoes, cassava, yams, and taro; and animal products such as beef, fish, and dairy are other food staples.
Traditionally, food staples depend on what plants are native to an area. Some food staples are evolving, however, with changes in agriculture, food storage, and transportation. In the South Pacific islands, for example, roots and tubers such as taro are common staples of food. Their intake has declined since 1970, however.
In regions where they do not typically grow, foods that are unique to one area are becoming common.
CANADA
Wheat
Many Canadians have diets based on wheat, such as bread and pasta. Canada is one of the world’s leading producers of durum and non-durum wheat. On the western plains of Saskatchewan and Alberta, the principal stream of Canadian wheat is cultivated.
Dairy
Dairy products are one of the Canadian diet’s major staple foods. The staple foods that are part of the Canadian diet are items such as milk, cheese, and butter. Canada manufactures the bulk of its own milk and, in addition to being an importer of cheeses, is one of the main exporters of cheddar cheese and ice cream. Most Canadian milk is processed in Ontario and Quebec.
JAPAN
Seafood and fish
It is possible to include both fish and seafood types. These, as is the case with sushi and sashimi, maybe steamed, fried, grilled, or raw.
Soy foodstuffs. Edamame, tofu, miso, soy sauce, tamari, and natto are the most popular.
Vegetables and berries
Although vegetables are steamed, sautéed, pickled, simmered in broth, or added to soups, the fruit is typically eaten raw or pickled.
Marine Seaweed
A great part of the standard Japanese diet is sea vegetables. Generally, they’re eaten raw or dried from Tempura. This light dough is made by combining ice or sparkling water with wheat flour. For deep-fried seafood and vegetables, it works as a batter.
UNITED KINGDOM
Chips and Fish
When you are in the UK, this dish is a must-try, regardless of where you are, you will be able to find a delicious plate of fish and chips. The best place to eat fish and chips is in the open air, by the sea (just look out for the seagulls), so make sure you buy some and take them to the beach if you are learning English at our Eastbourne college.
Mash and Bangers
This popular meal, also known as sausages and mash, consists of sausages and mashed potatoes and is frequently served with peas and gravy. In most pubs across the nation, this dish can usually be found on a menu or can be made very easily at home.
AUSTRALIA
Parmigiana chicken
On almost every pub menu in the world, this traditional Aussie chicken dish with origins in Italian-American cooking is a staple offering. It has grown into a chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese and, if you’re feeling fancy, prosciutto ham, originally based on eggplant (and these are still available for vegetarians).
Also Read, Famous Street Foods of India
Snags Barbecued (aka sausages)
It’s no wonder that Aussies love to barbecue, and nothing is more important to a good barbie than a proper sausage, whether you’re having a sausage sizzle at a mate’s place or at your local Bunnings. Traditional Australian sausages are normally pork or beef, but there are other species to try if you’re feeling adventurous. Wrap your snag around a slice of bread and top it off with a few fried onions and your favorite sauce.
USA
Rice
For more than 3.5 billion people around the world, rice is a food staple, especially in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. For thousands of years, rice has been cultivated in Asia. In India or Southeast Asia, scientists say people first domesticated rice. Rice arrived in Japan about three thousand years ago. It was most probably brought into South America in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
Corn (Maize)
Corn, known as maize outside of the United States, is native to Central America, where the Aztecs and Mayans domesticated it. Corn is still today’s most commonly grown crop in the Americas. The United States is the largest producer of corn in the world, producing more than 40 percent of the world’s maize. Large amounts of corn are also provided by China, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
In a number of ways, corn is used and can be stored relatively easily. This is why it is such a common staple for food.
