The Duck Confit Police: Traditional Foods, Why Protect Them?

As I mentioned in my last post, foie gras has been given some legal attention in Europe - namely, the E.U. has issued a statement that its production must not grow beyond regions where it is already being made.  Which is a way of saying "We think it's a cruel practice but we're not willing to pry duck livers out of the cold, dead hands of Frenchmen."

Taste: Foie Gras, and Why Americans are Queasy About It

The world constantly evolves - in every direction and on every scale.  In the human world, cultures are changing at accelerating rates.  Societies uproot and update old traditions, and in America we're struggling right now with Foie Gras.

What about it?  The Old World practice of force-feeding ducks and geese to produce engorged livers seems barbaric to many.  In 2004 California enacted a law banning its production (going into effect in 2012), and the Chicago City Council made it illegal to sell foie gras in that city in 2006 (the law has since been repealed.)  In the European Union, production has been limited by treaty to those places where it "is currently in practice" and remains a part of a region's cultural heritage.  

Taste: Good vs. Tasty

Here's a thought experiment for you.  Consider 3 examples recently when you told someone you ate a "good" meal, or dish, somewhere.  Then, read the definitions for both the words "good" and "tasty." 

good

   [good]  Show IPAadjective, bet·ter, best, noun, interjection, adverb

–adjective

1.

morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.

2.

satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher;good health.

3.

of high quality; excellent.

4.

right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.

5.

well-behaved: a good child.

6.

kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.

7.

honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.

8.

educated and refined: She has a good background.

9.

financially sound or safe: His credit is good.

10.

genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.

11.

sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.

12.

reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.

13.

healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.

14.

in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.

15.

not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.

16.

favorable; propitious: good news.

17.

cheerful; optimistic; amiable: in good spirits.

18.

free of distress or pain; comfortable: to feel good after surgery.

19.

agreeable; pleasant: Have a good time.

20.

attractive; handsome: She has a good figure.

21.

(of the complexion) smooth; free from blemish.

22.

close or intimate; warm: She's a good friend of mine.

23.

sufficient or ample: a good supply.

24.

advantageous; satisfactory for the purpose: a good day for fishing.

25.

competent or skillful; clever: a good manager; good at arithmetic.

26.

skillfully or expertly done: a really good job; a good play.

27.

conforming to rules of grammar, usage, etc.; correct: good English.

28.

socially proper: good manners.

29.

remaining available to one: Don't throw good money after bad.

30.

comparatively new or of relatively fine quality: Don't play in the mud in your good clothes.

31.

best or most dressy: He wore his good suit to the office today.

32.

full: a good day's journey away.

33.

fairly large or great: a good amount.

34.

free from precipitation or cloudiness: good weather.

35.

Medicine/Medical . (of a patient's condition) having stable and normal vital signs, being conscious and comfortable, and having excellent appetite, mobility, etc.

36.

fertile; rich: good soil.

37.

loyal: a good Democrat.

38.

(of a return or service in tennis, squash, handball, etc.)landing within the limits of a court or section of a court.

39.

Horse Racing . (of the surface of a track) drying after a rain so as to be still slightly sticky: This horse runs best on a good track.

40.

(of meat, esp. beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”

41.

favorably regarded (used as an epithet for a ship, town,etc.): the good ship  Syrena.

Before you go on, consider how you feel now after reading all these examples of good.  

Please continue.   

tast·y

   [tey-stee]  Show IPA

–adjective, tast·i·er, tast·i·est.

1.       pleasing to the sense of taste: a tasty canapé.

2.

Informal . having or showing good taste; tasteful.

Now what do you think?  Do you feel the same reaction to the definition of this word as the last word?  Were those foods you recalled good or merely tasty?  

Hmmm.