In 2014, I embarked on a journey hoping to solve a culinary paradox. Despite boasting one of the most varied culinary legacies in the world, Mexico holds the unenviable distinction of being the world leader in both adult and child obesity. Today, more than 70% of the population is overweight. According to OECD projections, overweight-related diseases will reduce life expectancy in Mexico by more than 4 years over the next 30 years.
How could the food we love so much be making us so sick?
If I was to find answers, Oaxaca was my best bet. The region’s cuisine is considered to be among the most authentic and diverse in all of Mexico.
So I went on a quest, hoping to find my way back to our roots, to rediscover the nourishing foods that were once the cornerstone of our diet. The markers in this map follow a journey through urban neighbourhoods and remote villages.
In the process, I was lucky to meet eight remarkable women. They revealed to me the secrets of exotic spices, the subtle nuances of lesser-known chiles, and the incredible nutritional value of wild edible plants. Through their generosity, they helped me understand where we might have gone wrong and how we could find our way back.
I believe there is a healthier, happier future for Mexico if we reclaim the knowledge and wisdom of those who understand the importance of a diverse and balanced diet in harmony with nature.
I hope the recipes and stories of Ixchel, Celia, Aldegunda, Aída, Marisol, Lorenza, Magdalena, Martha and Asunción inspire you to embrace your own culinary heritage. It’s the only way we can honor our past while shaping our future and creating a healthier and more sustainable world for generations to come.