Hauts-de-France: Where people love to create magic in the kitchen!

Hauts-de-France: Where people love to create magic in the kitchen!

When it comes to where in France people spend the most time in the kitchen, residents of the Hauts-de-France region are at the top of the list. According to a study by Ifop and Ikea, which surveyed over 3,000 people, 98% of people in this region say they cook regularly, while the national average is lower at 94%. What's particularly notable is that 41% are at the stove every day, which illuminates the heart of their kitchens.

They see cooking not just as a necessity, but as a loving gesture to spend time with family and friends. However, the study also shows that the enjoyment of eating sometimes falls by the wayside: with an average of 22.8 minutes at lunch and 27.2 minutes in the evening, the length of time spent is below the national average.

Enjoyment and efficiency in the kitchen

Despite the short times at the table, households in Hauts-de-France represent a remarkable culinary culture. 75% of residents cook at least once a week, which is higher than the national average of 73%. The love of the kitchen goes hand in hand with a sense of order: almost 90% of those surveyed see tidying up the kitchen as a contribution to their personal well-being. Likewise, 70% said they prefer to cook in an attractively designed kitchen.

For many, the kitchen area is not only a place for cooking, but also a backdrop for romantic moments: almost 30% of those surveyed report special experiences in this environment. In addition, cooking skills are perceived as a charm factor - an impression shared by 67% of people in Hauts-de-France and two thirds of French people. However, there is one issue that cannot be ignored: 74% of those surveyed say they regularly throw away food, often because products are expired or portions are too large.

The French's relationship with food

However, the considerations about cooking are only the beginning. Another survey shows that around 80% of French people are concerned with nutrition issues, with interest varying with age, income and political views. 72% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have an ear for food. Among seniors over 65, 96% see shared meals as an indispensable element of family bonds.

However, there are also worrying statistics: While 47% of people from low-income backgrounds are concerned about their diet, the same figure is only 16% of those with higher incomes. Concern for the environment is often ranked fourth among nutrition issues, suggesting a lack of awareness. The solution called for to promote France's food self-sufficiency is supported by 36% of respondents, while 32% want to ensure that farmers are paid appropriately.

It is fitting that the organic sector has become more important in recent years, while traditional cheese and wine still play a central role in French gastronomy. Changes in eating habits are obvious: more and more people are turning to food deliveries, especially since the pandemic. In 2021 alone, more than half of French people ordered at least once a month, a significant increase from 2020.

In summary, cuisine in Hauts-de-France is a passionate affair, strongly influenced by personal ties and cultural traditions. At the same time, nutritional challenges raise important questions about the culinary heritage and future of eating habits across France.