Question 1: Describe three key ingredients commonly used in Italian cuisine and explain how they influence the flavour of dishes.

Answer: Common ingredients include tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base; garlic adds a pungent aroma and depth of flavour; basil offers a fresh, aromatic taste that complements other ingredients.

Question 2: Compare the use of spices in Indian cuisine with those in Chinese cuisine. Highlight two differences in their typical spice blends.

Answer: Indian cuisine often uses a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, creating complex, warm flavours. Chinese cuisine typically uses spices like five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic, focusing on balanced, sometimes sweet or sour, and aromatic profiles.

Question 3: Identify two cultural factors that influence the choice of ingredients in Japanese cuisine.

Answer: Factors include the importance of seasonality, leading to the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the cultural emphasis on simplicity and natural flavours, influencing minimal seasoning and presentation.

Question 4: Explain how geographical location affects the cuisine of Mexico, mentioning specific ingredients or dishes.

Answer: Mexico’s diverse geography provides ingredients like maize, beans, chili peppers, and avocados. Coastal areas focus on seafood, while inland regions use more maize and beans, shaping dishes like tacos, tamales, and ceviche.

Question 5: Sketch a traditional serving platter for a Mediterranean meal, including at least three different dishes or ingredients. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a large platter divided into sections, with items such as grilled vegetables, olives, cheese, and slices of bread, with labels indicating each component.

Question 6: List four typical ingredients used in Thai cuisine and describe how they contribute to the characteristic flavours of Thai food.

Answer: Ingredients include lemongrass (adds citrusy aroma), fish sauce (provides salty umami), coconut milk (creates richness and sweetness), and chili peppers (bring heat).

Question 7: Discuss how the climate of a country can influence its traditional cuisine, giving an example of a specific country and its typical ingredients.

Answer: The climate affects the availability of fresh produce and ingredients. For example, in tropical countries like the Philippines, the warm climate supports the use of tropical fruits, coconuts, and seafood in everyday dishes.

Question 8: Identify two ways in which cultural traditions influence the choice of food in Middle Eastern cuisines.

Answer: Cultural traditions emphasize the use of spices like cumin and coriander for flavour, and religious practices may dictate the use of halal ingredients and specific methods of preparation.

Question 9: Describe the difference between a traditional French and an Indian curry in terms of ingredients and flavours.

Answer: French dishes often focus on herbs like tarragon and thyme, with milder, creamy sauces, while Indian curries use a blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, resulting in bold, complex, and aromatic flavours.

Question 10: Draw a simple diagram of a typical Asian rice bowl, indicating the main components and their placement.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a bowl with rice at the bottom, topped with vegetables, protein (such as chicken or tofu), and garnished with herbs or sauces, each labeled accordingly.