Before it reaches your plate, every food item has a source: it grows in the soil, is harvested from the fields, comes from the sea, from trees or from animals that need care and natural resources. Knowing where your food comes from helps you understand how it is produced, what impact it has on the planet and why it is important to make informed choices. Knowing where cereals, rice, pulses, fruit and vegetables, milk, meat, fish and seafood, sugar and olive oil come from enables you to better understand the food’s journey, appreciate the work of producers and plan more balanced, sustainable and planet-friendly meals.
The origin of food
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WHERE DOES FOOD COME FROM?
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Food reaches our plates via different routes. Some are grown in the ground, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals, whilst others come from animals reared to produce milk, eggs or meat. There is also food obtained through fishing or aquaculture. Once harvested, reared or caught, many foods undergo processing to make them safer, tastier or easier to store. They are then sold in markets, greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, supermarkets, online shops, restaurants or cafés, and some people even produce some of their own food at home.
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CEREALS
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Cereals grow in large fields and form the basis of many everyday foods: bread, pasta, porridge and breakfast cereals. They give us the energy we need to study, play and keep active. Choosing wholegrain cereals helps you get more fibre and vitamins.
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RICE
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Rice grows in flooded fields known as rice paddies. It is a versatile and important food in many cultures around the world. It provides energy and goes well with vegetables, fish, meat or pulses, making for balanced meals.
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PULSES
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Beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils grow in pods and are rich in protein, fibre and minerals. Pulses help to nourish the soil, reducing the need for fertilisers, and are an environmentally friendly choice.
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FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
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Fruit and vegetables grow on trees, bushes and in vegetable gardens. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, water and fibre. Eating a variety of colours throughout the week helps the body defend itself better and keeps your diet varied and enjoyable.
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MILK
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Milk comes from animals such as cows, goats or sheep. It provides calcium, protein and vitamins that are important for bones and muscles. It can be consumed as milk, yoghurt or cheese, depending on each person’s needs.
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MEAT
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Meat comes from animals reared for food, such as chicken, pork or beef. It provides us with protein and iron. Eating meat in moderation, choosing lean cuts and balancing it with plant-based foods, reduces the environmental impact and improves health.
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FISH AND SEAFOOD
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Fish and seafood come from the sea, rivers or aquaculture. They are rich in protein and healthy fats such as omega-3. Choosing seasonal fish from sustainable sources helps to protect the oceans and marine biodiversity.
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SUGAR
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Sugar is extracted from sugarcane or sugar beet. It provides a quick energy boost, but does not supply essential nutrients. It should be consumed in small quantities, with a preference for natural, minimally processed foods.
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OLIVE OIL
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Olive oil is produced from olives harvested from olive trees. It is a healthy fat typical of the Mediterranean diet and is used for seasoning, cooking and bringing out flavours. It helps protect the heart when consumed in moderation.
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