Over the last 30 years, Majorcan society has changed their eating habits due to the fact that we have replaced an economy based on agriculture with a one that relies mainly on tourism.
First of all, during the 60s, in Majorca there was a change in the way of subsistence. Before the arrival of tourism, Majorcan people lived on what they collected from land. Families lived and worked in the countryside where they seeded their own vegetables and fruit and where they also grew cows, pigs and hens that were eaten by the family or even sold in markets.
When tourism appeared in Majorca, our traditional diet suffered the influence from France, Germany and United Kingdom. In order to satisfy that growing demand, Majorca had to open up and welcome new influences, that is to say, a new eating style based on fast and cheap food and a new range of foreign products that began entering our kitchens.
Secondly, the incorporation of women to work has been an aspect that has favoured this change. Elaborated recipes that demanded patience and time have been substituted by "open&serve" food.
Finally, mass media has also had a main role. Advertisements are a powerful tool to make others dream, this works especially well with children! I am thinking of the fierce marketing adopted by some powerful fast food chains that catches their victims using toys as call.
In my opinion, despite all this, most people have kept traditional dishes as the basis of Majorcan diet, which, fortunately, has not been so much affected by this globalisation. We still can enjoy a good "tumbet" a good "trampó" or a better"pa amb oli".
