« Mexico more than any other New-World country is the land of Corn » Edgar Anderson, 1946
The history between Mexico and Corn started long time ago. We are talking about Mesoamerica, this period of human history full of exceptional civilizations (Aztecs, Mayas, Zapotecs, Ometecs, etc…) which did not reveal all their mysteries yet…
Did you know that ? Maize is not a vegetable but a cereal. Its nutritional intake is exceptional and its benefits for health are plentiful. Maize is full of antioxidants (compared to wheat, rice and oats, it is the winner!). Maize is poor in lipids. Maize is rich in fiber. It has a lot of micronutrients (vitamins A, B, E, iron, potassium, etc…). It suits without-gluten diet.
Excuse me, do you know where I can find Tortillas ?
When we arrived in Mexico, it did not take us too long to figure out that Maize is an important food. Tortilla is here the staple food and tortilleria (shop where you can only buy Tortillas) are at every corner. Families buy it on kilo. We are far away from our general consumption in Europe. Whatever breakfast, lunch, dinner, even snack, they will always serve you a basket full of warm tortillas. We never know… maybe they would go well with your soup, eggs or rice. Ah, lovely Mexicans!
Our Oaxaca visit: Responsible tourism + Indigenous + Maize
Before we arrives in Central America, we already heard about « los Pueblos Mancomunados » ; the same as Kumarakom and Responsible Tourism Kerala when we visited India.
Mancomunado people is a community descendent from Zapotecs. Indigenous people, they live in the mountains of Oaxaca (The Sierra Norte) – 2/3h away from the main city. Villagers became a success story in the communitary tourism world. Since 20 years, concerned about their land (which they took back from the government after strikes), they have developed touristic offer: ecolodges, pathways in the mountains that one can use walking or cycling. It sounds like a intense sport adventure.
In an exceptional natural environment, visitors can discover indigenous culture while impacting positively the community.
Expediciones Sierra Norte: Los Pueblos Mancomunados
When we’ve been to Oaxaca, we met Angelina Martiner, the manager of the office in Oaxaca city (Expediciones Sierra Norte – a company owned by the Pueblos Mancomunados). We went with her to adjust and launch a new product: “los siete colores del Maiz” (the seven colours of Maize). Indeed, from now, visitors can enjoy a specific discovery during 2 days. They can visit the mountains and discover how important was and is the Maize in the indigenous culture. In that way, visitor will learn to cook Maize in different way and for sure will enjoy the best of local cuisine.
Enjoy your meal !
Bonus pictures from Monte Alban:
We are Ela & David, 2 citizens of the world. In quest of a new way of living, more respectful from the environment and the Humans, we travel slowly to discover new cultures, to look for inspirations and with a wish of sharing. Wants to know more?
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