Traditional Irish foods are more than just meals; they are a reflection of Ireland’s rich history, culture, and resourcefulness, offering a taste of the Emerald Isle’s soul, and FOODS.EDU.VN is here to guide you through it. From hearty stews to comforting breads and unique sweets, Irish cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and textures. Dive into the world of traditional fare with FOODS.EDU.VN, exploring iconic meals like Irish stew, soda bread, and colcannon.
1. Understanding Traditional Irish Foods: A Deep Dive
1.1. What Exactly Are Traditional Irish Foods?
Traditional Irish foods are defined by their use of locally sourced ingredients, time-honored cooking methods, and deep-rooted connection to Irish culture and history. These dishes typically feature staples like potatoes, cabbage, various meats (especially lamb and bacon), and dairy products, reflecting the country’s agricultural heritage. They are characterized by their heartiness, simplicity, and emphasis on flavor.
- Emphasis on Local Ingredients: Ingredients reflect Ireland’s agricultural landscape.
- Hearty and Simple: Dishes are filling and straightforward in preparation.
- Cultural Significance: Recipes connect to Irish history and traditions.
1.2. What is the History of Traditional Irish Foods?
The history of traditional Irish foods is intricately linked to the island’s agricultural practices, historical events, and socio-economic conditions. For centuries, Irish cuisine was shaped by the availability of ingredients and the need for sustenance during challenging times, such as famines and periods of economic hardship.
- Early Influences: Early Irish cuisine was heavily influenced by Celtic traditions, emphasizing simple, nourishing foods.
- The Potato’s Impact: The introduction of the potato in the 16th century revolutionized Irish cuisine, becoming a staple crop and a central ingredient in many traditional dishes.
- Adaptation and Innovation: Irish cooks have historically adapted recipes to suit available resources, resulting in unique dishes like Irish stew and colcannon.
1.3. What Role Does Culture Play in Traditional Irish Cuisine?
Culture is deeply intertwined with traditional Irish cuisine, influencing both the ingredients used and the manner in which meals are prepared and consumed. Food serves as a means of preserving cultural identity, celebrating traditions, and fostering a sense of community.
- Food as Identity: Traditional dishes symbolize Irish heritage and identity.
- Celebrations and Festivals: Specific foods are associated with holidays and festivals, such as barmbrack at Halloween or bacon and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Family and Community: Meals are often shared among family and friends, reinforcing social bonds and cultural values.
2. Iconic Traditional Irish Foods You Must Try
2.1. Irish Stew: The Quintessential Irish Dish
Irish stew is widely considered the national dish of Ireland, a hearty and flavorful stew that has sustained generations. Typically made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots, Irish stew is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, carrots.
- Preparation: Slow simmering enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Variations: Regional variations may include barley or other root vegetables.
According to Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery School, the secret to a good Irish stew is using quality lamb and allowing the stew to simmer for a long time. FOODS.EDU.VN also recommends adding a splash of Guinness for a richer flavor.
2.2. Irish Soda Bread: A Simple and Satisfying Staple
Irish soda bread is a quick and easy bread made with flour, baking soda (instead of yeast), salt, and buttermilk. Its distinctive flavor and crumbly texture make it a beloved staple in Irish cuisine, often enjoyed with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
- Key Ingredients: Flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk.
- Preparation: No kneading or rising time required, making it a quick bread.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews.
2.3. Colcannon and Champ: Creamy Potato Delights
Colcannon and champ are two variations of mashed potatoes that are popular in Ireland. Colcannon is made with mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, butter, and milk, while champ features mashed potatoes, scallions (spring onions), butter, and milk. Both dishes are creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Colcannon: Mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, butter, milk.
- Champ: Mashed potatoes, scallions, butter, milk.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a side dish with sausages or bacon.
2.4. Bacon and Cabbage: A Classic Combination
Bacon and cabbage is a simple yet satisfying dish consisting of boiled bacon (usually a cut like collar bacon), cabbage, and potatoes. This traditional Irish meal is often served with a white sauce or parsley sauce, adding richness and flavor to the dish.
- Key Ingredients: Bacon, cabbage, potatoes.
- Preparation: Boiling the ingredients together creates a flavorful broth.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with white sauce or parsley sauce.
2.5. Boxty: The Versatile Potato Pancake
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made with a combination of grated raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. These pancakes can be pan-fried, boiled, or baked, and are often served for breakfast or as a side dish.
- Key Ingredients: Grated raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking soda, buttermilk.
- Preparation: Can be pan-fried, boiled, or baked.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve for breakfast with butter or as a side dish.
2.6. Barmbrack: A Sweet Bread with a Fortune-Telling Twist
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish sweet bread that is particularly popular around Halloween. This bread is studded with dried fruits like raisins and sultanas and often contains hidden charms, such as a ring (symbolizing marriage), a coin (symbolizing wealth), or a pea (symbolizing poverty).
- Key Ingredients: Flour, dried fruits, mixed spice, tea.
- Preparation: The bread is traditionally baked with hidden charms.
- Halloween Tradition: Barmbrack is a central part of Halloween celebrations in Ireland.
2.7. Ulster Fry: The Hearty Breakfast of Northern Ireland
The Ulster Fry is a traditional breakfast dish popular in Northern Ireland, consisting of fried bacon, sausages, eggs, soda bread, potato bread, black pudding, and white pudding. This hearty and filling breakfast is a great way to start the day.
- Key Ingredients: Bacon, sausages, eggs, soda bread, potato bread, black pudding, white pudding.
- Regional Variation: A staple breakfast dish in Northern Ireland.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
2.8. Coddle: A Dublin Favorite
Coddle is a traditional Dublin dish, a type of stew typically made with layers of sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions. It’s a simple, comforting dish, often associated with Dublin’s working-class history.
- Key Ingredients: Sausages, bacon, potatoes, onions.
- Origin: A traditional dish from Dublin.
- Preparation: Ingredients are layered and simmered in broth.
2.9. Potato Farls or Potato Bread: A Versatile Side
Potato farls, also known as potato bread, are a type of flatbread made with mashed potatoes, flour, and butter. They are often served as part of a fried breakfast or as a side dish with other meals.
- Key Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, flour, butter.
- Preparation: Cooked on a griddle or pan.
- Serving Suggestions: Served with breakfast or as a side dish.
2.10. Irish White Pudding: A Unique Breakfast Item
Irish white pudding is a type of sausage similar to black pudding but without the blood. It’s made with pork, oatmeal, suet, and seasonings. It’s often part of an Ulster Fry.
- Key Ingredients: Pork, oatmeal, suet, seasonings.
- Preparation: Fried or grilled.
- Serving Suggestions: Part of a traditional Ulster Fry.
2.11. Irish Apple Cake: A Sweet and Simple Dessert
Irish apple cake is a moist, spiced cake made with apples. It’s a simple, comforting dessert, often served with custard or cream.
- Key Ingredients: Apples, flour, sugar, spices.
- Preparation: Baked in a simple cake pan.
- Serving Suggestions: Served with custard or cream.
2.12. Yellowman Sweet: A Northern Irish Treat
Yellowman is a hard, brittle toffee candy primarily sold at fairs in Northern Ireland. It has a unique, chewy texture and a distinctive flavor.
- Key Ingredients: Sugar, glucose, butter, vinegar.
- Preparation: Cooked to a hard, brittle consistency.
- Origin: Traditionally sold at fairs in Northern Ireland.
3. The Modern Twist on Traditional Irish Foods
3.1. How Are Modern Chefs Reinterpreting Traditional Irish Dishes?
Modern Irish chefs are revitalizing traditional dishes by incorporating contemporary culinary techniques, innovative flavor combinations, and locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. They are elevating classic recipes while staying true to their cultural roots.
- Innovative Techniques: Chefs are using modern cooking methods like sous vide and molecular gastronomy to enhance textures and flavors.
- Local Sourcing: Emphasizing the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and producers.
- Creative Presentation: Modern chefs are reimagining the presentation of traditional dishes, making them visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.
According to JP McMahon, a prominent Irish chef and restaurateur, the key to reinterpreting traditional Irish food is to “respect the ingredients and honor the history while pushing the boundaries of creativity.” FOODS.EDU.VN supports this view by highlighting chefs who balance innovation and tradition.
3.2. What New Ingredients and Flavors Are Being Incorporated?
Modern Irish cuisine is embracing a wider range of ingredients and flavors, reflecting the country’s growing multiculturalism and culinary influences. Chefs are incorporating international spices, exotic fruits, and plant-based alternatives into traditional recipes.
- Global Influences: Integrating flavors and ingredients from around the world.
- Plant-Based Options: Creating vegetarian and vegan versions of classic Irish dishes.
- Sustainable Seafood: Utilizing sustainable and locally sourced seafood.
3.3. How Is Technology Influencing the Preparation of Irish Food?
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the preparation of Irish food, from precision cooking techniques to online resources for recipes and culinary inspiration. Chefs are using advanced equipment to achieve consistent results and explore new culinary possibilities.
- Precision Cooking: Utilizing sous vide machines and other precision cooking equipment to ensure perfectly cooked dishes.
- Online Resources: Accessing online recipes, tutorials, and culinary communities for inspiration and guidance.
- Food Science: Applying scientific principles to understand and optimize cooking processes.
4. Health and Nutritional Aspects of Traditional Irish Foods
4.1. What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Traditional Irish Foods?
Traditional Irish foods, when prepared with wholesome ingredients and in moderation, can offer several nutritional benefits. These dishes often provide essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients necessary for maintaining good health.
- Potatoes: A good source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Cabbage: Rich in vitamins K and C, as well as fiber.
- Lamb: Provides protein, iron, and zinc.
According to the Irish Food Board, traditional Irish foods like stew and colcannon can be part of a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients and energy. FOODS.EDU.VN encourages mindful consumption and portion control.
4.2. Are There Any Health Concerns Associated with Traditional Irish Cuisine?
While traditional Irish foods can be nutritious, some dishes are high in fat, salt, and calories, which may pose health concerns if consumed in excess. It’s important to balance these richer dishes with lighter, healthier options and to practice moderation.
- High Fat Content: Some dishes, like fried breakfasts and bacon and cabbage, can be high in saturated fat.
- High Salt Content: Processed meats and certain cooking methods may result in high salt content.
- Calorie Density: Some traditional meals are calorie-dense, which can contribute to weight gain if not balanced with physical activity.
4.3. How Can You Make Traditional Irish Dishes Healthier?
There are several ways to modify traditional Irish dishes to make them healthier without sacrificing flavor. Swapping ingredients, reducing portion sizes, and using healthier cooking methods are all effective strategies.
- Swap Ingredients: Use leaner cuts of meat, such as chicken or turkey, instead of bacon or sausages.
- Reduce Portion Sizes: Practice portion control to limit calorie intake.
- Healthier Cooking Methods: Bake, grill, or steam instead of frying.
5. Experiencing Traditional Irish Foods: Where to Find Them
5.1. What Are the Best Restaurants in Ireland to Try Traditional Dishes?
Ireland is home to many restaurants that specialize in traditional Irish cuisine, offering authentic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. From cozy pubs to fine dining establishments, there are options to suit every taste and budget.
- The Brazen Head (Dublin): One of Dublin’s oldest pubs, serving traditional Irish fare in a historic setting.
- Gallagher’s Boxty House (Dublin): Specializes in boxty pancakes and other Irish classics.
- Ballymaloe House (County Cork): A renowned country house hotel and restaurant, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and traditional Irish dishes.
5.2. Can You Find Authentic Irish Food Outside of Ireland?
While the most authentic experience may be had in Ireland, many Irish pubs and restaurants around the world serve traditional Irish dishes. These establishments often import Irish ingredients and employ Irish chefs to ensure an authentic culinary experience.
- Irish Pubs: Many Irish pubs worldwide offer traditional dishes like Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.
- Irish Restaurants: Look for restaurants that specialize in Irish cuisine and use authentic ingredients.
- Food Festivals: Attend Irish food festivals and events to sample a variety of traditional dishes.
5.3. What Are Some Tips for Cooking Traditional Irish Food at Home?
Cooking traditional Irish food at home is a rewarding experience, allowing you to recreate the flavors of Ireland in your own kitchen. Here are some tips for success:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Follow Authentic Recipes: Look for recipes from reputable sources that stay true to tradition.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Many traditional Irish dishes require slow cooking to develop their full flavor.
6. Traditional Irish Foods and Festivals
6.1. How Are Traditional Irish Foods Featured in Irish Festivals?
Traditional Irish foods play a central role in many of Ireland’s festivals and celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere and cultural significance of these events. Food is often used to commemorate historical events, celebrate seasonal harvests, and bring communities together.
- St. Patrick’s Day: Corned beef and cabbage are popular dishes enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating Irish heritage and culture.
- Halloween: Barmbrack, a sweet bread with hidden charms, is a traditional treat enjoyed during Halloween festivities.
- Christmas: Traditional Christmas dinners in Ireland often feature roast goose or turkey, along with sides like stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables.
6.2. What Foods Are Traditionally Eaten on St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national holiday, is celebrated with a variety of traditional foods that reflect the country’s culinary heritage. Corned beef and cabbage are perhaps the most iconic dishes associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but other popular options include Irish stew, soda bread, and colcannon.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A popular dish made with salt-cured beef and boiled cabbage.
- Irish Stew: A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots.
- Soda Bread: A quick bread made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
- Colcannon: Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, butter, and milk.
6.3. What Role Does Food Play in Irish Holiday Celebrations?
Food plays a significant role in Irish holiday celebrations, serving as a means of honoring traditions, connecting with loved ones, and creating lasting memories. Specific foods are often associated with particular holidays, carrying symbolic meanings and cultural significance.
- Family Gatherings: Holiday meals are often shared among family and friends, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing cultural values.
- Traditional Recipes: Recipes are passed down through generations, preserving culinary heritage and ensuring that traditions are upheld.
- Symbolic Foods: Certain foods carry symbolic meanings, such as barmbrack at Halloween, representing fortune-telling and divination.
7. Exploring Regional Variations of Traditional Irish Foods
7.1. How Do Traditional Irish Dishes Differ Across Regions?
Traditional Irish dishes vary significantly across regions, reflecting local ingredients, culinary traditions, and cultural influences. From coastal seafood specialties to hearty inland stews, each region of Ireland offers its unique take on classic dishes.
- Coastal Regions: Seafood dishes like fish chowder, smoked salmon, and mussels are popular in coastal areas.
- Inland Regions: Hearty stews, potato dishes, and meat-based meals are more common in inland regions.
- Northern Ireland: The Ulster Fry, a hearty breakfast platter, is a regional specialty in Northern Ireland.
7.2. What Are Some Regional Specialties to Look For?
When traveling through Ireland, be sure to sample some of the regional specialties that showcase the unique flavors and culinary heritage of each area.
- Dublin Coddle (Dublin): A hearty stew made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, originating from Dublin.
- Drisheen (Cork): A type of blood sausage that is a local specialty in Cork.
- Seafood Chowder (Coastal Regions): A creamy soup made with a variety of seafood, popular in coastal areas.
- Ulster Fry (Northern Ireland): A hearty breakfast platter consisting of fried bacon, sausages, eggs, soda bread, potato bread, black pudding, and white pudding.
7.3. How Do Local Ingredients Impact Regional Cuisine?
Local ingredients play a crucial role in shaping regional cuisine, influencing the flavors, textures, and overall character of traditional dishes. The availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms, gardens, and waterways contributes to the unique culinary identity of each region.
- Seafood: Coastal regions have access to a wide variety of fresh seafood, which is prominently featured in local dishes.
- Dairy: Regions with extensive dairy farming traditions often incorporate milk, butter, cheese, and cream into their cuisine.
- Produce: Local produce, such as potatoes, cabbage, and root vegetables, are staples in many regional dishes.
8. The Future of Traditional Irish Foods
8.1. How Are Traditional Irish Foods Being Preserved for Future Generations?
Efforts are being made to preserve traditional Irish foods for future generations, ensuring that culinary heritage is not lost amidst globalization and changing dietary habits. These efforts include documenting recipes, promoting local ingredients, and supporting traditional food producers.
- Culinary Heritage Societies: Organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Irish cuisine.
- Cookbooks and Online Resources: Documenting traditional recipes and making them accessible to home cooks.
- Food Education Programs: Teaching children about traditional Irish foods and culinary traditions in schools.
8.2. What Innovations Are Helping to Sustain Traditional Practices?
Innovations in agriculture, food production, and culinary techniques are helping to sustain traditional practices, ensuring that traditional Irish foods can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
- Sustainable Farming: Promoting sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and support local food production.
- Artisan Food Production: Supporting small-scale, artisan food producers who use traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
- Food Technology: Utilizing technology to improve food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance the flavor and nutritional value of traditional foods.
8.3. How Can You Contribute to the Preservation of Irish Food Culture?
There are many ways to contribute to the preservation of Irish food culture, from supporting local food producers to cooking traditional dishes at home and sharing them with friends and family.
- Support Local Food Producers: Buy directly from local farmers, growers, and artisan food producers whenever possible.
- Cook Traditional Dishes: Learn to cook traditional Irish dishes and share them with others.
- Document and Share Recipes: Collect and share traditional recipes with friends, family, and online communities.
- Visit Irish Food Festivals and Events: Attend Irish food festivals and events to celebrate and support Irish food culture.
9. Popular Traditional Irish Foods Recipes
9.1. Simple Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk.
- Stir until just combined, forming a shaggy dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a round.
- Place dough on a baking sheet and cut a cross shape into the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
9.2. Traditional Irish Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season lamb with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown lamb in batches, then remove from pot and set aside.
- Add onion and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Return lamb to the pot and add thyme. Simmer for another 30 minutes, or until lamb and vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
9.3. Easy Colcannon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped cabbage or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot.
- Mash potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.
- Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter is melted.
- Pour milk mixture over mashed potatoes and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chopped cabbage or kale.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Irish Foods
10.1. What Is Ireland’s National Dish?
Ireland’s national dish is widely considered to be Irish stew, a hearty and flavorful stew typically made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots.
10.2. What Are Some Common Ingredients in Traditional Irish Cooking?
Common ingredients in traditional Irish cooking include potatoes, cabbage, lamb, bacon, dairy products, and root vegetables.
10.3. Is Irish Food Spicy?
Traditional Irish food is generally not spicy, focusing instead on savory and comforting flavors. However, some modern chefs may incorporate spices and seasonings from other cuisines to add complexity and depth to their dishes.
10.4. Are There Many Vegetarian Options in Traditional Irish Cuisine?
While traditional Irish cuisine is heavily meat-based, there are some vegetarian options available, such as colcannon, boxty, and vegetable soups. Additionally, modern Irish chefs are creating vegetarian and vegan versions of classic dishes using plant-based alternatives.
10.5. What Is Black Pudding and White Pudding?
Black pudding and white pudding are types of sausages that are commonly served as part of an Ulster Fry. Black pudding is made with blood, pork, oatmeal, and seasonings, while white pudding is made with pork, oatmeal, suet, and seasonings (without the blood).
10.6. What Is the Difference Between Irish Soda Bread and Regular Bread?
Irish soda bread is a quick bread made with baking soda instead of yeast, giving it a dense, crumbly texture. Regular bread, on the other hand, is made with yeast, which gives it a lighter, airier texture.
10.7. What Is Barmbrack and How Is It Traditionally Eaten?
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish sweet bread that is particularly popular around Halloween. It is studded with dried fruits and often contains hidden charms, such as a ring, a coin, or a pea. Traditionally, whoever receives the ring is said to be the next to marry, while the coin symbolizes wealth, and the pea symbolizes poverty.
10.8. Where Can I Find Authentic Irish Food in the United States?
You can find authentic Irish food in many Irish pubs and restaurants throughout the United States. Look for establishments that import Irish ingredients and employ Irish chefs to ensure an authentic culinary experience.
10.9. How Can I Make Traditional Irish Food Healthier at Home?
You can make traditional Irish food healthier at home by using leaner cuts of meat, reducing portion sizes, and using healthier cooking methods, such as baking, grilling, or steaming instead of frying.
10.10. What Are Some Good Resources for Learning More About Irish Cuisine?
There are many resources available for learning more about Irish cuisine, including cookbooks, websites, food blogs, and culinary heritage societies. Some notable resources include “Theodora FitzGibbon’s Book of Irish Food,” “Darina Allen’s Ballymaloe Cookery Course,” and the website of the Irish Food Board.
Exploring traditional Irish foods is a journey through history, culture, and the heart of Ireland, and FOODS.EDU.VN wants to be your tour guide. From hearty stews and comforting breads to unique sweets and regional specialties, Irish cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re cooking at home, dining in a restaurant, or attending a food festival, embrace the opportunity to discover the rich culinary heritage of the Emerald Isle. Don’t forget to visit FOODS.EDU.VN for more in-depth articles, recipes, and culinary insights. Our address is 1946 Campus Dr, Hyde Park, NY 12538, United States. Contact us via Whatsapp at +1 845-452-9600 or visit our website at foods.edu.vn. We invite you to delve deeper into the world of Irish cuisine and share your culinary adventures with us.