Eat your way around the world - PHOTO

New York-based photographer Henry Hargreaves and food stylist Caitlin Levin created snapshots of countries using 'iconic' delicacies from each region.For example, a mosaic of corn-based products were used for the 50 states of America, chocolate, jam and cream-filled biscuits for the UK and noodles for China.When it came to France, cheese and crackers were the snack of choice and tomatoes for Italy's 'boot.'Different types of seaweed were carefully laid out to form Japan and, keeping to an ocean theme, dozens of shrimp were used to map out Australia.For Mr Hargreaves' home country, New Zealand, kiwi fruits were chopped up and molded into shape.He said he wanted to create something 'beautiful' and 'playful' to look at and took inspiration from 'old school maps.'India is the most colorful artwork, as an array of spices, including cardamom pods and chili flakes, were used to distinguish territories. All of the maps were finished off with typography by Brooklyn-based designer Sarit Melmed.When Mr Hargreaves posted images of his food maps online he was inundated with requests for other countries.'They are great!! But... Where's Belgium? Land of chips, chocolate, waffles and beers? It would look great.' one commenter suggested.Mr Hargreaves said his fascination with food came from working in the service industry before turning his hand to photography.'I was fascinated about peoples requests and what they ordered said about their character and personality,' he writes on his website.'I try to bring this idea into my work by showing the connections visually.'He has been collaborating with Ms Levin on art projects for more than ten years.Commenting on their latest project, they write ‘These maps show how food has traveled the globe. 'While we know that tomatoes originally came from the Andes in South America, Italy has become the tomato king. who doesn’t know the saying ‘throwing some shrimp on the barbie’ and not think of Australia?'Who goes to France without eating bread and cheese? and who makes a Brazilian Caipirinha without using fistful of limes‘?'They conclude: 'This project speaks to the universality of how food unites people.'(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az