How does Climate and Geography effect French foods?

Question

How does Climate and Geography effect French foods?

Answer 1

IMHO climate and geography affect French foods the same way climate and geography play into all the worlds foods.

Minerals in the soil; chemicals and scents from fungus,plants and other wildlife; rainfall and temperature all affect the taste of whatever is grown.

Further, it affects the taste as one eats prepared foods.  The taste of tomato sauce and pasta are not the same in Italy, the U.S, France or anywhere else despite the availability of Roma tomatoes, for instance, or fresh Basil.  All of this adds to a unique sensation of flavors no matter what the country.

In perhaps the most well known example,  the same variety of grape grown in France, California, Australia or Chile will not taste the same.  All the influences of climate and geography play in to the tastes and aromas.

Aromas play an important part also.  Sitting high in the mountains or hill or in a cafe in the city will yield different taste sensations.

So, I would say:  climate and geography play an enormous role in French foods.  My analysis has only scratched the surface.