Ziv Cheng: The Impact of the Columbian Exchange on Persian Cuisine and Culture in India

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This project involved obtaining primary sources from UB Libraries, identifying and recording examples of New World objects in these works, visiting Asian Studies library collections and presenting findings on the impact of the Columbian Exchange in Asia. Ziv focused specifically on exploring the history and culture behind 15th-century Persian and Indian cuisine. Here is what Ziv had to say about the experience:

What I Did:

"I did a project on the impact of the Columbian Exchange on Persian cuisine and culture in India. The Columbian Exchange was the movement of plants, animals, diseases, and people across the Atlantic Ocean after 1492. I used a 15th-century book of recipes as my primary source and cooked a three-course meal using its recipes. I also researched the history and culture behind these dishes and recorded a video of myself cooking and explaining them." 

What I Learned:

"I am most proud of learning new skills such as making pastry dough, grinding spices, and frying samosas. I also developed my research, writing, and presentation skills with the help of my mentor and subject librarian. My biggest takeaway was that food is a way of expressing identity, creativity, and diversity. Overall this experience has supported my academic and professional goals by enhancing my skills and knowledge on global history and culture."