Cultural Perspective
The French culture is built upon centuries of tradition, one of the most popular is cheese after dinner. It is believed that cheese dating back to the 4th century, when Roman rulers were in France, eating cheese was believed to give strength and wisdom and was soon adopted as a tradition. Eating cheese after a meal has since then been a common cultural practice. Most French households will have a taste of cheese after dinner, a wide range of different types can be found all around the country. Unique tastes and flavours have been passed down through generations, providing a pathway to connect the past with the present. Cheese has been a hugely popular part of a long-standing tradition to many French people.
Historical Appreciation
Cheese has a long history in France and has been a part of French culture for centuries. Even when tracing back to the Gallo-Roman period (1st century BCE- 4th century CE), cheese was considered to be the source of physical energy, strength, and virility in Ancient France. This idea was transferred from Roman folklore to French culture, and from then on cheese and wine became a total gastronomic experience for the French people. The popularity of eating cheese after dinner has grown since the 4th century, and it has become a part of French life.
Nutrition and Health
The French diet is predominantly composed of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, and fish. Cheese is an essential part of this diet since it contains essential nutrients such as copper and zinc, which are vital for growth and development. An average French person consumes 42.2 kg of cheese a year, according to the French Dairy Association. This quantity, when consumed in moderation, does not pose significant health risks. Cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for building bones and teeth. Cheese also contains protein, iodine, and vitamin B2, which helps to maintain skin, bones, and the nervous system.
Cheese and Gastonomy
In France, cheese is not only eaten after a meal, but it is also a major part of central European cuisine. Cheese plays an important role as it is often added as a topping or stuffing in dishes. From Raclette to a range of other French cheeses, cheese has become an integral part of French life and can be found all around the country. Each town has its own local variety of cheese, with unique flavours. Cheese is a part of French culture and is used as a culinary ingredient to spruce up dishes and offered as an aperitif before dinner.
Economic Impact
Cheese is an extremely important part of the French economy, as it provides jobs for many French people, contributing to the growth of the national economy as it generates €13 billion euros in revenue each year. It is also a major foreign exchange earner for France. It is estimated that almost half of the total global cheese trade involves French cheese. The importance of cheese production is evident, and its contribution to the country’s economy is immense.
Environmental Perspective
The environmental impacts of cheese production in France have been largely overshadowed by the positive economic benefits it brings. One of the most significant environmental effects is the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the production process. Additionally, the cattle raised for cheese production release large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming.
Social Impact
There are a number of social implications that result from the production of cheese in France. Many of the same regulations and standards are applied for all forms of agriculture in France, such as animal welfare. The large-scale industrial production of cheese, however, often results in decreased living standards for the workers who work on cheese farms, especially in rural areas, as many of the small, family-run farms are put out of business by large industrial producers.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear to see why French people eat cheese after dinner. Cheese has been part of French culture for centuries, and it is deeply ingrained into French people. Cheese provides essential nutrients and minerals, and contributes to French culture in a variety of ways. From income to environmental impact, it is essential to consider the impacts that cheese production can have on the economy, social implications, and the environment.
