World Food Markets

Gr 7 Up—Paulette Mitchell, cookbook author, narrates a short history and current status of Hong Kong, Zhujiajiao (the Venice of China), and Shanghai while wandering through the streets and food markets with one of the locals she interviews in an extra segment. Cultural information is provided, with an emphasis on food and its relationship to good health. Viewers learn that many people in the city shop twice a day to get fresh food, fish and chickens are killed and prepared for cooking when bought, few canned items are available, and the freshness of food is of utmost importance. Many Asian vegetables and fruits are shown, and their use is explained. Eggs and meats found in the markets are also described. Most of those filmed are older adults. The excellent photography brings each city to life. Students get a taste of life in these Chinese cities and the eating habits of the people. An interesting supplement for social studies and home economics classes.—Anita Lawson, Otsego High School, NY