I cannot seem to find any information as to the origins of the various customs. In China, for example, they customarily do not even eat salad, because of the possible infestation of raw leaves with parasites and other organisms. So, that is reason enough to cook all your vegetables, even if just briefly, as is often done in Chinese cuisine.

As for other reasons, salads can be prepared faster in the kitchen, so in the context of efficiency, which Americans are fond of, it would be more efficient to eat the salad first because it can be prepared first while the main entree is still being prepared. In Europe, meals often are much more leisurely so people can chat longer, so the strategy is to extend the service time to as long as possible. So, in that case, you would serve the salad later.

From a point of view of pleasure, I think I would like to eat the main entree first, because hunger is the best seasoning. I like to be hungry when I am eating the entree. A salad fills me up, so I would not be as hungry if I ate it first.

From a scientific point of view, the digestive juices are strongest in the beginning of the meal, and have not been diluted by the volume of food. So, if the meat has any chance of harboring unwelcome organisms, then I would preferentially eat that first, or vice versa as the case may be. You may want to eat the meat first, just because scientifically, it takes longer to digest. However, in modern life, food is quite sanitary, so there is not so much of a worry either way. You can eat dessert first if that is the favorite portion of the meal for you. Why fill up on stuff you don't like first? If you follow this reasoning, you may be more likely to push food away at the end of the meal, because it is not your favorite, and so be better able to maintain your weight. If the tastiest food is served last, you may tend to overeat, and this would be less healthful. Or, on the other hand, you may be able to push it away easier because you are already full. I can see that the logic of it all can be a bit confusing.

duenhsiyen

I am just taking an educated guess based loosely in semi-logic when I suggest that some cultures like to have the ruffage push through the intestines before the main course by eating the salad first and some cultures like to have the salad ruffage push through the intestines after the main course by eating the salad last.

It might be about just when one wants to do a little cleaning.. before or after.

Haha, I didn’t know about it if you hadn’t asked this question huh? Well, as what have been practiced in my home and in every occasion that I’ve been to, people often eat or serve salads last. I didn’t ask why but according to our teacher, salads should be served last. The first one to be served in a meal should be the soup because it’ll be the appetizer. I just agreed since it’s the most common practice that we have or maybe all Asians have. And for me, my explanation for serving or eating salad last is that I’d be able to enjoy my full meal first.

“Americans are used to eating their salad before their main dish. In restaurants, salads are served after the drinks are delivered. At home, we often eat salad first, or we might have it on our plate alongside our other dishes. But in France and also in other countries, salad is eaten after the meal, prior to dessert.
According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, this is a good practice. The reason being is that salad can curb our sweet tooth. It makes sense if you think about it. Typically salads have tomatoes. Tomatoes are sweet and tart at the same time. Salads also typically have dressing that is at least somewhat sweet (think Thousand Island) or decadent and creamy (think Ranch Dressing). This can help to alleviate or eliminate the desire for sweets after a meal.”

Now, we know that eating salads last is a good way to lose weight.

Just eat the food the way you want! And if logic is confusing then its not logic.

Wow! Talk about a flashback! Many years ago, when I was 13, I found the world of pen-pals and friendship books, and within a year, I had 311 pen friends. (Nodding my head at you, knowingly), I assure you that you did hear it right.... 311. That was my peak count. I believe only 14 of those were in the States, the rest were dotted here and there, around the world. I thought it was great! I was writing to kids that lived in exotic, far away places: Fiji, Sri Lanka, Iceland... well, Michael, pen-pal from Copenhagen, Denmark, was on holiday for 3 months, so he toured the US. When he had dinner with us, he saved his salad until last, and me being me, I asked why? He told me that at home, they always had salad last, to clean the palate and freshen up your mouth, (their salads rarely have salad dressing, they use lemon, or vinegar with oil), and it helps the stomach to digest the (3-6 course) meal.

Hope this was what you are looking for... it makes a lot of sense to me. Michael and I still touch base with hand written note or card two or three times a year.

Hugs!