Knowing Food and Knowing Self by Reference to the Landscape: The Case of Herdwick Lamb

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore respondents’ knowledge of food in the pre-product stage, i.e. in the landscape. Herdwick lamb is highly visible throughout the year in the Lakeland landscape. This place inspired the Romantic poets, and other artists whose heritage remains as a local influence. Taking a phenomenological stance, the research examines the experiential claims of respondents; means-end chain analysis was used to address this broader food concept, and ladder maps were produced to reveal salient connections. Findings show respondents hold a wide range of perceptions, experiences, and associations with the pre-products which influences their judgement about the freshness, flavour, and quality of the meat. An opportunity exists for the creation of a new set of food product attributes, relating to the experience of pre-products in the landscape.