Can you pronounce quinoa correctly? Have you any idea how to cook jackfruit? Know what is meant by to coddle something? If you think you can spot a Michelin-star meal when you eat one, why not put your money where your mouth is and give this quiz a try?
It comes after research of 2,000 adults found 41% are self-confessed foodies. Natalie Allen, spokesperson for salad brand Florette, which commissioned the research to launch its Gourmet Slaws range, said: “The term ‘foodie’ has been more widely used in recent years.
“People make plans around which restaurants they are going to, often several weeks in advance and love to share their meals, recipes, reviews and general thoughts on food on social media platforms.
“Cuisine brings so much joy. When we think of special occasions such as birthdays and weddings or even holidays, the majority of them have an enjoyment of food at the heart of them.
“Dishes from around the world have progressively been integrated into our diet in the UK as we have become more inquisitive, experimental and so willing to try different and more “exotic” options.”
The research also identified the 50 signs someone is a foodie – and they include the kitchen being a favourite room in the house and a tendency to plan holidays around cuisine. Knowing how to make pasta from scratch, actually using the cookbooks they own and having in excess of 30 spices in the cupboard.
Owning a set of chef-worthy knives, obsessively reading food blogs, knowing where different cuts of meat come from, eating seasonal produce and hosting dinner parties are further traits. Along with a fondness for dining in Michelin-star restaurants, seeking out independent eateries, and attending food festivals.
Of those polled, seven in 10 are passionate about supporting Britain’s food and drink industry. As a result, 58% try to eat in independent restaurants where possible because the food tastes better (42%) and for an authentic experience (36%).
It also emerged adults typically eat out twice a month, spending an average of £40 on food and drinks. When dining out, 55% try new meals each time while 18% stick to what they know and love. Similarly, six in 10 claim they are adventurous with food and 24% are willing to travel hundreds of miles for the ‘perfect’ meal.
For 34%, eating out at high class restaurants is their idea of fun, while 45% enjoy learning new things about ingredients and meals. While the best aspects of dining out were found to be the satisfaction of eating a good meal (25%), not having to cook (24%) and trying new foods (15%).
More than a fifth (23%) even have a list of restaurants they’d like to visit, while 29% have a wish list of countries to travel to specifically for the cuisine.
When it comes to cooking, 41% describe their ability as ‘average’, while 38% claim it’s ‘good’ and seven per cent go as far as saying it’s ‘excellent’.
But despite many believing they themselves are a foodie, the research, carried out through OnePoll, found 29% dislike the term as it’s pretentious (66%) and elitist (18%).
Natalie Allen, spokesperson for Florette’s Gourmet Slaws, which are inspired by flavours of Korea, China and India, added: “With summer fast approaching it’s likely social gatherings will revolve around food even more, from barbeques to al fresco lunches and late evening dining as the sun sets.”