Unique Haitian Customs Surrounding Food

 Food security in Haiti is virtually nonexistent. The Haitian people starve simply because they cannot afford even the most basic nutritional staples. Contrary to popular belief, Haitians have an incredibly rich culinary tradition and fully understand the tenants of a proper diet. In fact, there is a wide variety of indigenous food categories that closely resemble Western proper nutrition discourse.

Haitian notions of health differ greatly from Western science. Although the majority of Haitians are Roman-Catholic, many prescribe to tenants of Voudou. Therefore, they rarely consult mental health professionals for psychological and emotional issues, and instead consult with family, clergy or Voudou practitioners. Many attribute such ailments to external forces (i.e. God, spirits) and therefore do not seek proper medical assistance.

 In times of mental distress, Haitians may offer feasts to please the Gods, who they believe may be responsible for their peril. Physical ailments are treated by consuming certain food and drinks. For example, Haitians believe that gas can be cured by consuming corn and plantains among a variety of foods common to the region.

In traditional Haitian culture, food is broken into six different categories. Hot, cold, acid, non-acid, heavy and light. In order to maintain good health, these properties must be in perfect balance. Physical illness is the result of an imbalance between these six categories, and relief is sought by consuming foods that have an opposite property than the illness. For example, Haitians feel that heavy food is energy-rich food. Therefore, feelings of lethargy may be alleviated after eating a dish termed "heavy". Some Haitians believe that citrus fruit causes acne, which is a primary sign of poor health in the region. Foods are classified on a gradual scale from cold to hot. Foods are often used to treat illness, and foods with the opposite properties of the illness are consumed.

Cold : avocadoes, cashews, mango, coconut, cassava

Fairly cold: lime, okra, bananas, grapefruit

Cool: tomato, sugar cane syrup, oranges, cantaloupe, chayote

Neutral: cabbage, conch, carrots, watercress, brown rice

Warm: eggs, pigeon, soup & bullion, pork

Hot: rum, nutmeg, garlic, tea, cornmeal mush

Haitians feel that eating enough to feel satisfied is eating well. In the West, the notion of eating implies a balanced meal with the recommended daily amount of vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. Most Haitians refuse to eat yogurt, cottage cheese and runny egg yolks. Traditionally, the largest meal of the day is lunch, and men are almost always served the choice portion of meat (if available). Between heads of households of the same generation, it is customary to exchange food, which is known as "to eat together". Brothers will send each other a pot of coffee or small portion of what they've cooked each day. There is no spirit of competition in the exchanging of food, as one sends however much s/he can afford to at the time.

After the disintegration of slavery in Haiti, the freed slaves wanted nothing to do with the large plantations owned by the wealthy mulatto. Therefore, small scale farms sprung up throughout the region. Rural nuclear families generally produce food independently, and divide up their land amongst their kin.