Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of Mediterranean Cuisine

Cereal-based foodstuffs, such as bulgur and couscous, are the backbone of the Mediterranean diet and are consumed worldwide, but are underrepresented in the scientific literature. This text explores new and understudied market trends, such as cereal-pulse blends, pulse pastas, and flat breads, and offers a legislative perspective on food safety and the position of traditional foods in the Mediterranean food industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 339 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Cereal-based foodstuffs have played a pivotal role in the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region for centuries, serving as the backbone of the region's diverse and flavorful cuisine. This comprehensive book, "Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean," provides a comprehensive overview of the various cereal-based products that have been cherished in the Mediterranean for generations. From ancient grains like barley and wheat to modern innovations like cereal-pulse blends, pulse pastas, and flatbreads, the book explores the rich tapestry of cereal-based products that have shaped the region's culinary landscape.

Chapter 1: Cereal Origins and Historical Significance

The book begins by delving into the origins and historical significance of cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region. It explores the evolution of cereal cultivation and processing techniques, as well as the cultural and religious importance of these products in various Mediterranean societies. The chapter also highlights the role of cereal-based foodstuffs in the trade and commerce of the region, with examples of how they were exchanged and traded across borders.

Chapter 2: Product Spectrum and Processing Methods

In the next chapter, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of cereal-based products that are prevalent in the Mediterranean region. It showcases the various processing methods employed to transform raw cereal grains into a wide array of consumable products, including bread, pasta, couscous, bulgur, and more. The chapter also discusses the importance of traditional techniques and recipes in preserving the authenticity and flavor of these products.

Chapter 3: New and Understudied Market Trends

The third chapter delves into the emerging trends in cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region. It explores the growing popularity of cereal-pulse blends, which combine the nutritional benefits of pulses with the versatility of cereals. The chapter also discusses the rise products, such as pulse pastas and flatbreads, that have gained traction in recent years due to their health benefits and convenience.

Chapter 4: North African Cereal Products

Chapter 4 focuses on the products originating in North Africa, such as bulgur and couscous. These products have been consumed worldwide for centuries but are underrepresented in the scientific literature. The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the production methods, nutritional properties, and culinary applications of these products, as well as their historical and cultural significance in the Mediterranean region.

Chapter 5: Legislative Perspective on Food Safety and Novel Foods

Contributing authors offer a legislative perspective on issues of food safety and the definition of "novel foods" in the European Union. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the increasing demand for novel foods, as well as the role of traditional foods in the Mediterranean food industry. The chapter also highlights the importance of sustainable and ethical production practices in ensuring the long-term viability of cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean" serves as a valuable resource for both the scientific and industrial communities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various cereal-based products that have shaped the culinary traditions of the region, as well as the emerging trends and challenges that are shaping the industry. By exploring the historical, cultural, and nutritional significance of these products, the book offers insights into the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine and its enduring legacy.

Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean

Cereal-based foodstuffs have played a pivotal role in the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region for centuries, serving as the backbone of the region's diverse and flavorful cuisine. This comprehensive book, "Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean," provides a comprehensive overview of the various cereal-based products that have been cherished in the Mediterranean for generations. From ancient grains like barley and wheat to modern innovations like cereal-pulse blends, pulse pastas, and flatbreads, the book explores the rich tapestry of cereal-based products that have shaped the region's culinary landscape.

Chapter 1: Cereal Origins and Historical Significance

The book begins by delving into the origins and historical significance of cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region. It explores the evolution of cereal cultivation and processing techniques, as well as the cultural and religious importance of these products in various Mediterranean societies. The chapter also highlights the role of cereal-based foodstuffs in the trade and commerce of the region, with examples of how they were exchanged and traded across borders.

Chapter 2: Product Spectrum and Processing Methods

In the next chapter, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of cereal-based products that are prevalent in the Mediterranean region. It showcases the various processing methods employed to transform raw cereal grains into a wide array of consumable products, including bread, pasta, couscous, bulgur, and more. The chapter also discusses the importance of traditional techniques and recipes in preserving the authenticity and flavor of these products.

Chapter 3: New and Understudied Market Trends

The third chapter delves into the emerging trends in cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region. It explores the growing popularity of cereal-pulse blends, which combine the nutritional benefits of pulses with the versatility of cereals. The chapter also discusses the products, such as pulse pastas and flatbreads, that have gained traction in recent years due to their health benefits and convenience.

Chapter 4: North African Cereal Products

Chapter 4 focuses on the products originating in North Africa, such as bulgur and couscous. These products have been consumed worldwide for centuries but are underrepresented in the scientific literature. The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the production methods, nutritional properties, and culinary applications of these products, as well as their historical and cultural significance in the Mediterranean region.

Chapter 5: Legislative Perspective on Food Safety and Novel Foods

Contributing authors offer a legislative perspective on issues of food safety and the definition of "novel foods" in the European Union. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the increasing demand for novel foods, as well as the role of traditional foods in the Mediterranean food industry. The chapter also highlights the importance of sustainable and ethical production practices in ensuring the long-term viability of cereal-based foodstuffs in the Mediterranean region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean" serves as a valuable resource for both the scientific and industrial communities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various cereal-based products that have shaped the culinary traditions of the region, as well as the emerging trends and challenges that are shaping the industry. By exploring the historical, cultural, and nutritional significance of these products, the book offers insights into the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030692308
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021