Nick Smith

The latest update to the New Zealand food composition database, a comprehensive collection of nutrient data collated jointly by Plant & Food Research and the Ministry of Health, brings more than just numbers: it adds insights into culturally important foods and their role in diets. For the first time, certain traditional foods such as rēwena (Māori bread) and ingredients such as natto, paneer, jackfruit and lentils are included.

Have you ever looked down at your breakfast, lunch or dinner and considered where the various ingredients travelled from to reach your plate? A basic sandwich in New Zealand can easily represent five countries: an Australian wheat and Indian sesame seed roll, Danish salami, local lettuce and cheese, seasoned with Vietnamese pepper. And because your food travels a long way to reach you, so does your nutrition. Research on global food trade – particularly trade in cereals – has a long history.