5 minute lesson
How Tortillas Can Change the World
How could an ear of corn change your life?
Good corn makes great tortillas. Great tortillas aren’t just tasty and nutritious, they can be good for farmers! In this Touchstone, we are getting a taste of Mexican culture through the story of a traditional food. This video from The Perennial Plate shows what happens when an entrepreneur goes back to the roots of food. Led by Jorge Gaviria, the Masienda company works with heirloom corn farmers in Mexico to bring delicious, traditional tortillas to the United States, all while supporting the communities that produce this delicious food!
Why It Matters
Masienda makes food that tastes good and is good for you. They are making more than that: they are building connections between cultures. By bringing traditional food from Mexico to the United States, they are proving that the best food comes from happy people and healthy ingredients– whether that be in Oaxaca or New York, New York.
The foods we love are all mixed with culture; what we eat reminds us of who we are and where we come from. Whether or not you like the taste of a warm tortilla, we all can imagine the smell of a food that makes us feel at home.
Let's Talk About It
The Perennial Plate
The Perennial Plate is a two time James Beard award winning documentary series about creating a more human food system. Chef and Activist, Daniel Klein and Co-producer/Camera girl Mirra Fine travel the world exploring the wonders, complexities and stories behind the ever more connected global food system.