I read an article in BBC today on picky eaters – that’s right an article about all of us.

Of course, we have folks with different grades of 'pickiness' when it comes to food – I think pickiness is preference-gone-wild. The article, as usual in a 21st century sense, suggests potential genetic reasons (apart from other reasons) for food pickiness – OH PLEASE! Give me a break! If you swell like a balloon after eating peanuts or puke like a fire hose after drinking milk, you got a genetic problem. I personally think three factors contribute to food pickiness –economics, upbringing and availability of food choices.

Economics – you can only be choosy if you have the money to do so. If all your family can afford in Kanji (or Conjee in Chinese cuisine), then you won’t be picky towards Kanji. You might get averse and hate it later in life when your economic status improves – which might be for reasons that it brings to memory difficult childhood times but it won’t be based on smell, texture, taste etc. the kind of pickiness that I am talking about.

Upbringing – this includes family and friends and home atmosphere. If you parents are picky, there is a VERY high chance that you will be too. One, the theories or views which your parents espouse get planted in you at a very early age – some grow out of it when they grow older and become independent but many don’t. For example, many vegetarians think egg plant looks like fish; okra is slimy like mucus, cauliflower resembles chicken drumsticks etc. Two, pickiness of parents also results in the children never getting exposed to a variety of vegetables or cuisine. I know someone who didn’t used to like cauliflower, egg plant, raw tomatoes, turnips, certain types of yams; masala spices etc. – a combination of pre-conceived notions and lack of exposure.

Exposure to vegetables is of course limited by geography, tradition, culture and cuisine etc. The more you travel and interact with people from other parts of your own country, or other countries, the more you will get exposed to other cuisines – but if you are picky and close-minded with a narrow food preference, none of this matters as you will continue to eat the same darn thing even if you are in the middle of Antarctica. Don’t mistake me, I am proud of my culture and cuisine and treasure them but I respect and value other cultures and cuisines – I try to follow the motto of try anything twice – the first time it is very possible that your mind would dictate your tongue and the second time, hopefully your tongue will convey its verdict to the mind.

Lastly, I have noticed that folks who spent time away from their homes growing up tend to be less picky. At home, one is pampered with choices and parents tend to accommodate the whims and fancies of their kids. Once you are on own, need to cook for yourself, ones’ survival instincts kick in – you do grow to be more tolerant and accommodating and appreciate of your Mom! And thankful for having food on your plate to satisfy your hunger!

Are you picky? What vegetable don’t you like or eat and for what noble reasons? :-)

Original article in BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10959879