Eleventh International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Ancient and neglected grains, such as quinoa, teff, and amaranth, are gaining popularity across the globe in response to a number of modern-day circumstances such as environmental and health concerns. The author has chosen to take a closer look at the rise of millets in southern India and the revival of buckwheat in Brittany, France, to better understand how traditional crops go from low status crops and foods to major food trends in urban centres in the span of a few years. Following a food systems approach, the author critically unpacks the roles of economic, political, and media actors in the constantly evolving construction of taste, health, and what we wish to eat or not eat.