Three sisters in the kitchen: a traditional Maya cooking class

Join members of the UBC Farm Maya in Exile Garden for an interactive traditional cooking workshop on October 1st, 2011. Learn some of the medicinal and culinary uses of various herbs and vegetables grown in their garden. In this workshop, participants will have a chance to make four dishes:

Squash Flower Soup with Beans

Corn tamales with fresh beans

Fresh corn beverage with special squash

Salsa verde made from tomatillos

If time permits, there will also be a chance to visit the Maya Garden at the UBC Farm.

A bit about the Maya Garden: The vision for the Maya garden began in 1986 when the first five Maya families came to Canada as refugees from Guatemala. Our ancestors have worked the land planting corn, beans and squash (the three sisters) for thousands of years, and the Maya civilization and culture has evolved around the planting of corn. These families wanted to keep our traditions and culture alive by continuing to grow Maya crops in Canada.  This has allowed our children to learn about their culture and strengthen their identity.  It has reminded us of who we are and where we come from.

In 1999, a friend of the Maya Indian Support Group and volunteer at the UBC Farm informed us about the possibility of applying for a project plot at UBC. The group liked the idea and in 2000, we established our garden at the UBC Farm.

Initially, we planted the three sisters. Later on, we incorporated greens such as amaranth (bledo), yerba mora, and apazote, among other crops.  Each season begins with a traditional Maya ceremony to ask permission to Mother Earth and the Creator to break the land and bless the seeds. Before we harvest corn, another ceremony is offered to thank the Creator and Mother Earth for all that has been produced. The garden continues to be a place for cultural sharing and sustaining ancestral practices.

Date: Saturday October 1st, 2pm-4pm

Location:  UBC Farm Centre

6182 South Campus Road

Vancouver BC

Cost: $30 (+1.74)

What to bring: Notebook and pen

Growing Season Workshops:
This event is part of the UBC Farm Growing Season Workshop Series.  Our goal is to connect sustainability and life-skills experts with our local community through accessible and affordable workshops.   Come join us for a workshop, gain new skills and knowledge, and help support the UBC Farm!