Living in Belgium with a French family for nine months has completely changed my relationship with food. It’s also shown me the difference of living in country that is a food oasis versus living in a country that is a food swamp. Join me as I explore the reasons behind the high food quality in Belgium and France- and why the French can eat so many carbohydrates and still remain in good shape.

A Culture That Respects Food

European Food Standards

The European food safety authority (EFSA) has a high standard for ingredients and processes regarding food production. These regulations are in place to protect consumers by taking a proactive approach. Every ingredient is banned until it is proven safe to consume. This results in food that generally contains more natural ingredients and fewer harmful ones compared to other parts of the world.

Consumption Frequency

In Belgium and France, it is most common to purchase food daily. This frequency of consumption creates a greater demand for fresh food. Food, therefore, requires a shorter shelf life and fewer preservatives. For example, in France, 27 million baguettes are purchased daily. This is proof that the French really value freshly baked bread.

Local Produce

I have personally witnessed the appreciation that the French and Belgian communities have for local markets, boulangeries and fresh produce. In Brussels, there are multiple weekend farmers markets spread across the city.

Recently, I visited a coastal town in France called Pornichet and was surprised by its fresh food market in the center of town called Halles et marché. Almost every day, locals flock to the market in search of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit and all sorts of goods. I don’t think I have ever tasted such fresh food in my life as did in Pornichet. The appreciation of local produce from the community contributes to the ability of the farmers to continually produce these fresh products.

Farmers in Europe prioritize flavor and quality over mass yield like other countries in the world. This is reflected in the taste of the fruits and vegetables. They are rich in flavor and more organic in size and shape.

Seasonal Eating

Coming from South Africa, I was used to most of the fruits and vegetables being available all year round. This is not the case in Belgium. Seasonal eating- means to eat what’s naturally available during a specific time of year. This type of consumption encourages sustainable farming and it reduces the pressure on farmers to produce food that is not necessarily in season. Currently, in May, it is strawberry season! Punnets of beautifully plump strawberries can be spotted all over town in the local stores. During this time of year, strawberries are specially enjoyed sliced with whipped cream on top. 

French Food Habits

French eating habits are refreshingly simple. The foundational habits are these: They eat three meals a day at almost the same time each day. Meals are typically made at home with minimal, high-quality ingredients. Their diet values balance by incorporating protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, dairy and fruit. Every meal is seen as an opportunity for social connection. You will never see French people eating dinner if front of the television. They value the experience of connecting with friends and family over a meal.

Another fascinating aspect of French food culture is the elegance and etiquette of dining at a dinner table. I encourage you to research about French dining and you will be amazed.

Comparison To South Africa

Affordability vs Food Quality

Belgium and France are two countries that can be considered food oases. This term describes the easy access to a variety of fresh, affordable and healthy food. In my home country of South Africa, it is, by contrast, a mixed landscape. In the middle-class areas, this type of food access is present. But in rural areas it is often a food desert. The people living here have to travel far to get groceries that are affordable. They are also more often processed and lack nutritional value.

When I lived in Cape Town, buying high quality and healthy food was expensive. The budget-friendly options were products that were processed and not fresh. In Belgium, there are budget friendly options for fresh food in all of the grocery stores.

South African Food Culture

As a South African, I used to eat most of my meals for convenience- to fuel my body. In our culture, it is most common to share only dinner with our families. Living with a French family has shown me that meal time is an intentional experience that should be shared. Breakfasts and lunch included. The simplicity of sitting at a table, eating food and sharing a conversation.

Final Thoughts

The more I learn about French culture, the more I appreciate its values. Living in Belgium and visiting France has changed my relationship with food for the better. I find myself enjoying certain foods without worrying about their health effects. I also have more access to items that were out of budget in South Africa.

The culture here is quite different from South African culture- but in a good way. I hope to carry these French food values with me for the rest of my life: To value food. To eat three balanced meals every day. To enjoy the beauty of sitting at a table, sharing life with others.