Welcome to the Ultimate Food Atlas Blog Tour!
This week, join us for a fantastic food journey around the globe as we celebrate the release of the Ultimate Food Atlas (National Geographic Kids Books, ages 8-12). Five blogs across the web are featuring posts from the book as we “travel” from continent to continent to discover a rich diversity of foods and food celebrations from many different countries. Ready for a captivating around-the-world culinary adventure? Read on!
EUROPE – FANTASTIC FOODS OF MANY FLAVORS
From freezing Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean to sunny Greece in the Mediterranean Sea, from the low plains of the Netherlands to the mighty Alps and Caucasus peaks, Europe spans a variety of climates—and cuisines. About 40 percent of Europe’s land is covered with farmland and pastures. A lot of food in Europe also comes from the surrounding seas. Traditional diets in different countries are as varied as the landscapes, depending on locally available ingredients and the influences of other cultures – conquerors or colonies – throughout history.
EUROPE’S “APPETIZING” ATTRACTIONS
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Visit Cadbury World in Birmingham, England, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made, taste samples, and even try to make your own chocolate. A factory here inspired British author Roald Dahl to write the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
PICK UP TOMATOES Tomatoes need warm sunshine, but some smart folks in Sweden figured out how to raise them in far northern Europe. More than 80 varieties of tasty tomatoes grow in Vikentomater’s greenhouses, and you can visit and buy fresh-picked tomatoes there. They plant seeds in December and harvest from March through November.
LEAULT WORKING SHEEPDOGS For centuries, shepherds have relied on sheepdogs to help guard and herd their flocks. The folks on Leault Farm in Kincraig, in the Scottish Highlands, offer demonstrations of how their dogs respond to signals and control the sheep, which are kept for their meat and milk. Visitors can take a turn at shearing sheep.
SNAIL FARMS Farmers in France breed snails and raise them for escargot, a French specialty usually cooked with garlic butter and wine. There’s a snail farm in Maniquerville, Normandy, where visitors can peek in at the miniature livestock and learn about the snail’s life cycle
CHEESE MUSEUM At the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, discover the history of cheese and how it is made. You can dress up as a traditional Dutch cheese farmer, and taste cheeses including Gouda, one of the country’s most famous varieties.
DEHESAS AND PIGS You might recognize Spain’s dehesas from the children’s book The Story of Ferdinand. Dehesas are ecosystems of oak forests and grasses, where Iberian pigs—the source of Spain’s ibérico ham— and fighting bulls are raised. Ibérico ham has a distinct flavor related to the pigs’ diet of acorns.
TRADITIONAL FARMS Romania’s Piatra Craiului National Park preserves not only wildlife, but also small traditional farms along the steep hillsides. You might spot sheep grazing in orchards, farmers driving horse-drawn carts, or families selling local farm foods.
DID YOU KNOW?
The original veggie burger—made with oats, soy, wheat gluten, and sesame—was invented in the United Kingdom in the 1970s and was first sold commercially in 1982.
Exploring the world has never been more yummy and fun! Discover how unique foods are grown, eaten, and celebrated by people all over the planet, get recipes for delicious dishes, and so much more!
Pull up a chair and dig into this bold and vibrant world atlas full of fun food facts, fascinating information about crops and farming, easy-to-read maps, recipes, and games from around the world. On the menu: vegetables, grains, meats, dairy products, and foods harvested from the water. Highlights include appetizing attractions, cool places to eat, and food festivals, and sustainable eating is promoted throughout. It’s a treat for kids who are interested in food and a valuable reference about geography, agriculture, and culture across the continents. Absolutely stuffed with mouthwatering tidbits for every reader! Kids are sure to come back to the table hungry for more!
About the Authors
Nancy Castaldo has written award-winning books about our planet for over 20 years from New York’s Hudson Valley. Her love of reading and writing outdoors began in her childhood, when she wasn’t searching for frogs, turtles, and salamanders, and climbing trees. Her curiosity led her to study science. As an environmental educator, Nancy combined all of those interests. She still enjoys spending her time exploring in the wild as she did while researching over two dozen books and many articles. Nancy writes to inform, inspire, and empower her readers about the world around them. Visit her online at nancycastaldo.com.
Christy Milhaly’s book Diet for a Changing Climate: Food for Thought (co-written with Sue Heavenrich) explores this issue and offers pointers on preparing environmentally friendly―and tasty―meals using invasive plants,animals and insects. She has published other nonfiction books on topics including nature, history, politics, and crafts. Milhaly earned degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of California, Berkeley. Visit her online at christymihaly.com,
GIVEAWAY
- One (1) winner will receive a hardcover of Ultimate Food Atlas
- US/Can only
- Ends 7/17 at 11:59pm ET
- Enter via the Rafflecopter below
- Visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!
Blog Tour Schedule:
July 4th — From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors
July 5th — YA Books Central
July 6th — Pragmatic Mom
July 7th — Mrs. Book Dragon
July 8th — Randomly Reading
Nancy Castaldo
Mary Kay Carson: How did this book come about?
Hosting this week is 