Which category in the Culinary Spectrum spans several states sharing a common geographic trait?
Answer
Meso-Regional
The Meso-Regional category is positioned in the middle of the culinary spectrum, applying to dishes or styles that are recognized across multiple states that share a fundamental geographic or cultural characteristic. A prime conceptual example provided for this level is a recognized regional barbecue style, which often extends beyond the arbitrary lines of a single state but remains confined to a larger cultural zone like the South or the Southwest. This classification differentiates it from dishes tied strictly to one state or those adapted nationally.

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