On 2009-08-20, Bobo Bonobo® > wrote:

> Some cultures' food just *are* really bland.

No doubt. The further from the equator, the less spices available.
The closer, the more spicy and exotic. Not exactly rocket science.
OTOH, bland doesn't have to mean bad.

Except for salt, which cultures that don't have it will kill for, good
food is still possible. Potatoes and eggs. Pretty bland fare. I
love it. I love it more with pepper, but ain't gonna kick it outta
bed. A chicken or cut of beef is fine with salt. Likewise, mutton,
venison, or other gamy meat.

Also, it's amazing what you can learn to enjoy. When my ex and I
lived with my ailing MIL, we learned to adapt to a very low salt diet.
After about a year, almost no salt in any dish become very likeable.
Later, when I divorced and met a lady from Alabama who's soul food
salt content nearly killed me, I reverted to my old ways, but that's
another story.

nb