Introduction
The rise in vegetarian and vegan cuisine has been a recent trend in dining as more and more individuals seek out meatless diets or opt for dairy-, egg-, and honey-free ways into their meals. But this trend is not new—a variety of cultures have used vegetarian diets as part of their religions, as a central piece of ceremonies and community solidarity, or simply as economical means of sustenance. No matter the culture, it is without a doubt that vegetarian and vegan cuisine has carried with it a host of cultural implications that go beyond simply what's served on the plate, making it a keystone in the relationship between people and food.
Historical Significance
The use of vegetarian and vegan cuisine goes back many centuries and has had a lasting influence on different parts of the world. In some regions, vegetarianism has been an integral part of religious culture, with some sects of Asian religions for example, shunning the consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy and emphasizing plant-based meals as a part of some core beliefs.
The dietary choices were also at times a direct response to the food scarcity in a given location. Throughout history, particularly in famine-ridden areas, vegetarian and vegan diets became the only practical course of action, allowing individuals to get the sustenance they needed without having access to meat or dairy. In certain cultures, plant-based diets became an important part of peasant life, even after more abundant meat sources entered the region.
In some contexts, veganism and vegetarianism had a practical aspect, providing a means for subsistence when times were hard. In other contexts, these diets serve a more spiritual purpose. Temples in India, for example, will often provide vegan and vegetarian meals as part of both religious rites and cultural exchanges.
Dietary Distinctions
There is also cultural implications when it comes to the distinction between vegan and vegetarian diets. In many places, veganism is seen as a more extreme approach to plant-based eating, a view that comes from its implications in environmentalism and animal welfare. To some, veganism requires more commitment and dedication to abstaining from animal products than vegetarianism does, and the cultural implications of this choice reflect this view.
For one, vegan cuisine often has an inherent appreciation of the environment, as a plant-based diet can in many ways lighten its ecological footprint and save on energy costs associated with producing meat and dairy. This appreciation in turn is reflected in the kinds of food prepared, as vegan cuisine favors more seasonal and local elements, and the use of natural spices making for more simplified recipes.
On the other hand, vegetarian diets have been associated with certain physical benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In some areas, vegetarianism is emblematic of a desire for healthier lifestyles, as opposed to upholding a spiritual or environmental stance.
Increasing Popularity
The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets has only grown in the last few decades. The environmental effects of mass meat and dairy production have become more and more acute, and many individuals in both the developed and developing worlds are taking a stand and reducing their consumption of animal products.
At the same time, vegetarian and vegan diets are now seen as a way to ward off certain health related illnesses. Studies have shown that a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and may even help to maintain a healthy weight.
As a result, more mainstream restaurants have started to offer vegan and vegetarian options in order to tap into the growing demand for plant-based dishes. This appeal even stretches beyond health-conscious diners, with many individuals seeking out vegetarian and vegan dishes simply because of their greater access to what were once niche markets.
Finally, vegan and vegetarian cuisine is becoming an increasingly popular centerpiece of some religious ceremonies, as individuals hoping to honor the beliefs under which their ancestors lived partake in the age-old tradition of abstaining from meat and dairy.
Community Through Cuisine
More than anything, vegetarian and vegan cuisine have become a vital part of the community. Going vegan and vegetarian no longer has to mean a major overhaul of one's diet, as the range and quality of meat-free products and dishes are greater today than ever before. It's become a simpler process to transition to a plant-based lifestyle, and this accessibility is creating a unifying link among those who have committed to vegetarianism and veganism.
In many cities, vegetarian and vegan restaurants serve as a gathering place for those who follow such diets, and those interested in exploring them. Individuals can try dishes from all around the world and talk with their peers about their shared commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Likewise, a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle cannot be divorced from its wider implications in environmentalism. Self-identifying vegetarians and vegans are some of the most passionate advocates of sustainability, from the waste-reduction campaigns led by food blogs and magazines, to vegetarian activism pushing for animal rights.
Conclusion
Vegetarian and vegan cuisine is much more than just what's served on the plate—it embodies centuries of cultural and spiritual importance, it's a necessary means of sustenance during times of drought, and it's a node of community bringing together those who take the same part of standing up against high environmental costs of mass-produced food. Almost every area of the world has adopted vegetarian and vegan cuisine in its own unique way, creating a cultural mosaic in which food is an important part of building unified identification.