Have you ever wondered which pair of countries have the most different food in the world? According to the Country Food Similarity Index, Poland and Chad have the least similar food ingredients in the world. The commonly used starches, meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and cooking oils in Chad and Poland are all significantly different from each other. Part of the reason for this is that these countries have climates, cultures, and standards of living that are notably dissimilar. The Index also shows that food in South Sudan and Kiribati, as well as in Uzbekistan and Micronesia are also extremely different from each other.
Starches
In Chad, the two most commonly eaten starches are millet and sorghum. These grains are used to make a variety of traditional dishes, including flatbreads, porridges, and dough balls. Millet and sorghum are well-suited to the hot and dry climate in Chad. Like most European countries, Poland consumes far more wheat and potatoes than Chad. These crops are better suited to temperate climates. In general, Chad’s diet is more heavily based on starches than Poland’s diet.
Meats
Beef, lamb, and goat are the three most commonly eaten meats in Chad. They are closely tied to the traditional nomadic way of life that many communities in the country have practiced for generations. Since the majority of the people in Chad are Muslim, pork is not as prevalent, due to religious beliefs. In contrast, the most popular meats in Poland are pork and chicken. Kielbasa, a type of pork sausage, is often a key ingredient in many Polish dishes. Furthermore, Poland is a far more developed country, so meat in general is more widespread there.
Fruits
Mangos and watermelons are especially popular fruits in Chad. They have high water content, making them refreshing fruits for countries that have hot, dry climates. In Poland, apples are more commonly eaten. Its temperate climate is conducive to apple trees. As a result, Polish cuisine often includes apple as an ingredient in desserts. The popularity of these fruits is tied to their suitability for the environmental conditions and culinary practices of each country.
Vegetables
Beans, okra, and cow peas are commonly found vegetables in Chad’s cuisine. The porridge-like Chadian dish, La Bouillie, can be served with a sauce that includes cowpeas, okra, and other vegetables. Tomatoes, carrots, cabbage are the most vegetables in Poland’s diet. These crops grow well in temperate climates, so they are well-adapted to the conditions found in Poland. Bigos, a traditional stew in Poland, typically contains cabbage, tomatoes, and sometimes carrots.
Dairy
Cheese, yogurt, and cream are common parts of the diet in Poland. Dairy products have been integral to Polish cuisine for centuries. Poland has a strong tradition of cheese production. Sour cream is a common topping in many Polish dishes. In addition, it consumes more yogurt per capita than most European countries. During the colder months when fresh produce is scarce, the preservation of dairy products makes their nutrients available year-round. Chad’s climate is much warmer, so it does not have a significantly colder temperature during the winter. The consumption of dairy products is not deeply ingrained in its culture. Butter is the most common dairy product in Chad, but the country consumes far less than Poland.
Cooking Oil
Peanuts are a significant agricultural crop in many African countries. As a result, peanut oil is the most commonly used cooking oil in Chad. It gives a subtle nutty flavor to dishes. Sesame seed oil and cotton seed oil are two other widely used cooking oils in Chad. In contrast, the two most popular cooking oils in Poland are canola oil and sunflower seed oil. They are appreciated for their neutral flavors, versatility in cooking. Both rapeseed and sunflowers thrive in temperate climates, like Poland’s.
