Gourmet is a French word that refers to the pleasure of high-quality food and drink with a high gastronomic value. Originally, the word gourmet in French expressed the idea of gluttony and was used to refer to gluttons, but over time the term ceased to have a pejorative meaning and adopted its current meaning.
The fact that the term gourmet comes from French reminds us that French gastronomy has traditionally been considered one of the most exquisite in the world.
The use of the term
In culinary terminology the term gourmet is used in various ways. The person with refined gastronomic tastes is called gourmet and would come to be equivalent to the term connoisseur (both words indicate that it is a person who loves good food and with a considerable gastronomic culture).
Some establishments with high value and high quality food and products are also known as gourmet stores. In this line, there is also talk of a gourmet experience, which suggests that what is consumed is more than just food. In this way, a person, a meal or a store can be valued as gourmet. In any of the different contexts in which the word gourmet is used, it refers to quality, exclusivity and high prices.
Among connoisseurs in gastronomic matters there is usually a certain controversy in relation to what is gourmet and what is artisanal
Some consider that they are opposite ideas and others understand that they express the same concept.
With some frequency the concept of gourmet is used as a marketing strategy to convey an image of luxury and exclusivity. From a commercial point of view, the concept of a gourmet recipe is more attractive than that of a traditional recipe.
What is being a gourmet?
First of all, to be a gourmet you have to enjoy food in a broad sense, that is, as a pleasure for the senses, as a personal experience and understanding the action of eating not simply from the nutritional or nutritional point of view.
The gourmet person has a gastronomic culture and knows how to value a dish for its ingredients, for its flavor, for its preparation and for its history. His knowledge allows him to assess the excellence of a dish or a product (normally gourmets are interested in delicatessens, new avant-garde trends and avoid industrial food and fast food establishments).
Photos: iStock – Alexander Pokusay / 101dalmatians
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