Emigracion y alimentacion. Representaciones y autorrepresentaciones en la experiencia de una corriente migratoria regional Italiana

On the basis of a collection of documents regarding Piedmontese emigrants, changes in their dietary and nutritional habits are analyzed. These were of different nature for temporary and permanent emigrants. The continuity in cooking habits and traditional meals was provided mainly by their own networks, through ethnic restaurants, boarding houses, grocery shops, etc. While immigrants profess fidelity to traditional meals, decisions concerning domestic diet consider cost, required preparation times, availability of ingredients, etc. Tradition and innovation are thus interwoven in a process which is typical for the emigration experience as a whole.