HISTORY

The foundation of iTal consciousness is laid upon botanical roots (roots meaning origin) and cultivates a deep reverence for all life forms. It describes the Rastafarian lifestyle and culture, but in particular their diet, hence “iTal foods”. Vegan would be equivalent to iTal, meaning a non-animal or animal by-product-based diet. Yet there lies a difference between the two. The difference is: that tofu, seitan, tempeh, veggie chunks, and all processed meat substitutes, that are commonly accepted as vegan and vegetarian, may not necessarily qualify as iTal for two reasons.

(1) iTal is of a botanical orientation therefore, there can be no meat substitute, as this is of a carnivorous mentality which contradicts the principles of the iTal way.

(2) Meat substitutes are usually heavily processed foods. iTal dictates fresh and whole as opposed to refined, canned, packaged, and over-processed foods. Only minimally processed foods will be considered for the ital-certified seal. 

Natural and organic is crucial to iTal consciousness.

Vegetarian food is a general term that is wide in its scope. It can be broken down into groups with sub-groups within each category. Eg.

Group (a).Vegan- vegetarian. (no dairy or eggs)

Group (b). Lacto- vegetarian. (eats dairy)

Group (c). ovo- vegetarian. (eats eggs)

It would appear to some, that iTal is a general term for Rastafarian vegetarian food cooked with little or no salt, but iTal is Rasta’s unique way of preparing their cuisine. It’s their roots gourmet to be exact, and a sacrament for the temple (the word used by iTalists to refer to the body).

An iTal diet can be cooked or uncooked. When cooked, it is primarily a low-sodium meal, traditionally cooked in coconut milk, sometimes simmered down to a rich savory sweetish sauce, commonly called run-down. Coconut is the foundation of iTal cooking and baking. It gives the food a unique flavor while supplementing essential nutrients. Coconut milk and oil are a much healthier alternative to the high cholesterol, super saturated fats of animal-based milk and oils. It is the ideal alternative.