Comparative study of vegetable intake in Japan and the United Kingdom

Abstract

According to published sources, the vegetable consumption in Japan and the U.K. between 1965 and 1985 has remained largely steady. However, in the U.K. the consumption of vegetables other than potatoes, has somewhat increased.A questionnaire was designed to determine the attitude to and utilisation of vegetables in both Japan and the U.K. 750 questionnaires were distributed in Greater Tokyo (76.9% returns) and 400 in Leeds, U.K. (66.8% returns). On a hedonic scale (1–5) an almost identical number of respondents in both countries liked vegetables very much (J — 69.8%, U.K. — 70.0%). Approx. 60% of Japanese ate vegetables with every meal, while only 20% of the British did so. Up to 80% of the Japanese felt that they should eat more vegetables, while almost 60% of the British were satisfied with their level of intake. In both countries vegetables were eaten primarily because of taste and nutritional aspects. A significant number of Japanese used them because of colour.In Japan an important source of information on cooking methods was the media, while in U.K. respondents mainly learned from their mothers. In both countries vegetables were most often obtained from supermarket and green grocer. A total of 31 vegetable varieties were mentioned in Tokyo and 29 in Leeds. Cabbage, carrots and potatoes were at the top of both lists. 46.8% of Japanese preferred raw cabbage, while the British preferred it boiled. Further information on seasoning and vegetable combinations is required.