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Indian cuisine consists of a variety of regional and traditional cuisines native to the Indian subcontinent. Given the diversity in soil, climate, culture, ethnic groups, and occupations, these cuisines vary substantially and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
Indian food is also heavily influenced by religion, in particular Hinduism and Islam, cultural choices and traditions.[1][2] Historical events such as invasions, trade relations, and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to India. The Columbian discovery of the New World brought a number of new vegetables and fruits. A number of these such as potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, peanuts, and guava have become staples in many regions of India.[3]
Indian cuisine has shaped the history of international relations; the spice trade between India and Europe was the primary catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery.[4] Spices were bought from India and traded around Europe and Asia. Indian cuisine has influenced other cuisines across the world, especially those from Europe (Britain in particular), the Middle East, Southern African, East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Mauritius, Fiji, Oceania, and the Caribbean.[5][6]
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Living Planet Report released on 10 October 2024 emphasized India’s food consumption pattern as the most sustainable among the big economies (G20 countries).[7]
- ^ Dias (1996). The Steward. Orient Blackswan. p. 215. ISBN 978-81-250-0325-0.
- ^ Gesteland, Richard R.; Gesteland, Mary C. (2010). India: Cross-cultural Business Behavior : for Business People, Expatriates and Scholars. Copenhagen Business School Press DK. p. 176. ISBN 978-87-630-0222-6.
- ^ Balasubramanian, D (16 October 2008). "Potato: historically important vegetable". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 20 October 2008. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
- ^ Cornillez, Louise Marie M. (Spring 1999). "The History of the Spice Trade in India". Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
- ^ "Nasi, Kari, Biryani & Mee". Veg Voyages. Archived from the original on 28 June 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
- ^ "Asia Food Features". Asiafood.org. Archived from the original on 25 May 2001. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
- ^ "Indian eating pattern is best for Earth, replicating it can save our planet: WWF Living Planet Report". WION. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.