Through a strange series of events I recently acquired a live-in indentured servant. That may sound like a wonderful thing, and surely it is; however, we’re both still coming to terms with the change. While I am adapting to the loss of my quiet solitude and independence, she is adjusting to eating (and usually preparing) the vegetarian menu.
Earlier this week she baked vegan pumpkin cupcakes at my request. They were so good that she baked another batch a couple days later to share with her friends.
“I just won’t tell anyone they’re vegan.” She said.
I was bewildered by that statement, so I asked, “Why not tell people?”
“Because they won’t understand.”
“What’s not to understand?”
“Vegan sounds healthy, and people don’t think health food tastes good.”
“You need to tell everyone they’re vegan to eliminate that ridiculous misconception.”
“Ok, I’ll tell them after they eat it.”
This exchange left me thinking about culture and the role of language and perception in food taste.
First, why would the terms “healthy” or “vegan” automatically be perceived as something that doesn’t taste good?
Second, when I think “cupcakes,” I don’t think “health food,” vegan or not. Despite the mass quantity of sugar, I suppose vegan pumpkin cupcakes do have relative health merits – vitamins A, E, C & K to name a few. Plus pumpkin is a pretty good source of iron. Still, it is a cupcake! Cupcakes are usually considered “junk food.”
Finally, on a related note, why would something that stays “fresh” in a box on a grocery store shelf for months (e.g., Twinkies) be perceived as food at all? (Hint: an annual $10,000,000,000 food marketing machine.)
5 comments
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October 30, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Dana
There are so many misconceptions about vegetarianism and veganism out there. It’s amazing how many of my non-veg friends are surprised to discover that food without meat can actually “taste good!” or (my fave) “satisfy hunger!” Right… we veg people do nothing but eat empty calories all day long… the hunger never stops! 😉
November 1, 2011 at 12:26 am
Lunar Euphoria
Misconceptions abound indeed!
October 31, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Jacqueline
That’s a great blog post title! And it is interesting to think of people’s perceptions. I’m curious, how did you get an indentured servant?
November 1, 2011 at 12:34 am
Lunar Euphoria
Thank you, Jacqueline. 🙂
I’m still wondering how I wound up with an indentured servant myself. Life is a riddle. I suspect it was an act of God. One of Her stranger pranks.
November 2, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Tori Nelson
You know, I’ve never really tried a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle for any length of time because it always seems so intimidating (especially in the South where steaks and butter reign). This post makes me feel less weird about it 🙂