We had the pleasure of attending an international food fair in Lima called "Mistura". This is the largest festival in Latin America to celebrate and showcase Peru's culinary traditions, biodiversity , rustic kitchens, acclaimed restaurants as well as farmers, chefs, bakers and food vendors. If you've ever gone to a "Taste Fest" in a larger city at home, it is the similiar concept, but so much more! There were more than 30 restaurants, 53 food trucks and numerous rustic kitchens selling two of their best items on their menus. Each sample sized meal averaged around $3.50. There was a Grand Market with vendors selling artesanal cheeses, breads, fruit juices , coffee, tea,cereal etc. There were farmers selling their potatoes, chili peppers, rice, quinoa, amaranth and more.Things that we buy back home at Whole Foods for top dollar, are here in Peru in abundance, for pennies! Quinua is a staple like potatoes here in Peru. We purchased a 500 gram bag of RED quinua flakes which you boil to make hot cereal, for $2.50. We purchased 5 lbs of organic potatoes that are purple inside for $3.00. Quinua, Maca , Amaranth, Sachi Inchi, and Tarwi have been a part of Peruvian culture and nutrition since ancient times.These "superfoods"have been rediscovered and are now in demand by international markets. In the center of the Grand Market was an informational exibit on all the "supergrains". I had no idea how beautiful the Quinua plant was! Take a look:
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| CHOCO-SUSHI |
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| BOILED CORN -EATEN WITH FARMERS CHEESE |
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| CHURROS STAND WITH MULTIPLE FILLINGS |
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| QUINUA VENDOR |
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| ANTICUCHO-GRILLED MEATS ON SKEWERS |
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| PACHAMANCA- TRADITIONAL DISH COOKED IN THE GROUND USING HOT BRICKS |
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| BREAD MARKET |
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CHANCHO-GRILLED PORK OVER WOOD
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| ICE CREAM MADE THE OLD FASHIONED WAY |
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