What does geophagy refer to?

Geophagy specifically refers to the practice of eating earth, dirt, or clay. This behavior is observed in various cultures around the world and can be driven by several factors, including nutritional needs, cultural traditions, or even the desire to alleviate digestive issues. People who engage in this practice might consume specific types of soil or clay that they believe have health benefits, such as providing minerals or aiding in digestive health.

The other options describe different concepts that do not accurately define geophagy. Different cultural cooking methods do not involve the consumption of earth materials, and a mineral-rich diet or food preservation techniques refer to entirely different practices focused on health and longevity rather than the act of eating soil or clay.