Writing about food — something people eat three or more times a day — sounds easy, but it’s not. Great food writing crystallizes the taste, texture and aromas of a meal for readers, and it also explores a cuisine’s culture, history and traditions. It should leave them with a desire to try the dish or travel to the region where it originated.
People need a variety of foods to stay healthy and active. The basic food groups include cereal grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins such as meats, poultry and fish, and dairy products. People can choose from a wide range of food types, including packaged and ready-to-eat meals. A food pyramid outlines the recommended amounts of each type to consume daily.
Most people do not grow their own food, but purchase it from supermarkets and other stores. Some people may raise livestock, such as cattle and chickens, to supply their own meat. People can raise or buy fish and shellfish to eat as well. A variety of food is preserved by canning, freezing, drying and other methods.
The food supply and consumption are complex issues that affect many areas of society, from global economics and health to environmental problems, population growth and human rights. The United Nations has established the Food and Agriculture Organization to oversee these issues and develop international policies.
It is important to understand the role of different groups in a food chain. Plants produce food, and animals that graze on them provide nutrients for other animals to eat. Some plants are eaten directly by humans, while others are processed into foods like flour and other staples. Food processing may destroy or remove nutrients that are essential to human health.
A food article should start with an eye-catching headline that entices the reader to read the full article. It should clearly explain the topic and give the reader a sense of how the article will be written. It should also include the author’s credentials and a brief outline of the topic.
If possible, ban words that devalue the article’s credibility and impact. For example, never refer to a cuisine as “eccentric” or “odd,” because it conveys the idea that the cuisine is new and unusual, which could alienate readers. Also avoid using the word “fantastic” in the title of an article, as it is overused and overly hyped.
The last paragraph of a food article should conclude the main point of the piece. It should summarize the main points, and if appropriate, suggest a solution to the problem discussed in the article. It should also cite any sources used in the article. This helps to build a writer’s reputation as a reliable source of information. In addition, it helps the audience know if they need to research more about the subject. This is especially important in scholarly articles. It also helps to establish a clear tone for the article, as it will help the reader distinguish between fact and opinion.