Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Dean, Erin
Keywords
Heirloom, Agriculture, Tradition, Tampa Bay Area
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
The anthropological study of food reveals the power of cumulative tradition to shape food behavior. Through processes of production and consumption, food refers to a larger set of themes and situations within the social environment, implying a system of communication and signification. Through participant observation and ethnographic interviews, I track the dynamic political and personal meanings of ‘heirloom’ through the supply chain. Following three ‘heirloom’ commodities through three ‘locally conscious’ restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area, this thesis analyzes the political economy of food communication in relation to agrobiodiversity conservation. By examining the founding ‘heirloom’ cultivar ideals and comparing these ideals to the manifestations of ‘heirloom’ commodities, this analysis examines the environmental, social and political connotations. In restaurant marketing, ‘heirloom’ is yet another culinary descriptor designated to promote dialogue and mark distinction in an attempt to ‘connect’ consumers in space and time.
Recommended Citation
Gonzalez, Cady, "PAST ON A PLATE: AN EXPLORATION OF ‘HEIRLOOM’ CULTIVARS AS POLITICALLY PALATABLE" (2014). Theses & ETDs. 4880.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4880