Plants are not only a source of sustenance and health, they are a source of endless creativity in the kitchen. They also rely on fertile soil, water, sunlight and the care of a skilled gardener or farmer. The Cultural Heritage Learning Place shows how plants play a central role in the daily life of people around the world, from soil to kitchen.

Understanding the Meaning of “culturally relevant crops” from stories and accounts of food and agriculture

Soil to Kitchen Learning Experiences Augmented with Digital Content

Learning objectives:

Learning Objective 1: Understand the significance of local crops and foraged plants to Palestinian culture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAlQe-lnzdE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Yt87_PIbc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bVSRlaIjw

Learning Objective 2: Know what and who is involved in the life cycle of the pepper from soil to kitchen back to soil [VR Note - Introduction - show an overview of food around the world using peppers]

Learning Objective 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the universal principles of soil science and be able to give diverse examples of how people take care of soil in different cultures

DALL·E 2024-01-10 14.15.53 - A bright, airy kitchen with a rustic wooden table showcasing one dish from each continent, each featuring green bell peppers. For Africa, Bobotie_ a S.png

Let’s start with a familiar food in many kitchens around the world, the pepper. The pepper originated in South America but has become thoroughly globalized. Dishes that emphasize peppers from around the world:

  1. Ajiaco (Colombia): A Colombian soup featuring chicken, potatoes, corn, and green bell peppers, flavored with the herb guascas and garnished with avocado, capers, and cream.
  2. Ajvar (Balkan): A condiment made from roasted red and green bell peppers, garlic, and sometimes chili peppers, with a smoky, tangy flavor.
  3. Anticuchos (Peru): Peruvian skewers, often made with marinated beef heart but can include beef or other meats, with green bell peppers and onions grilled and served with a spicy sauce.
  4. Aussie Meat Pie with Peppers (Australia): An Australian meat pie variation with diced green bell peppers added to the filling, served in a pie pastry crust.
  5. Beef Rendang (Indonesia): A rich Indonesian dish with slow-cooked beef in coconut milk, often featuring green bell peppers for added flavor.