From Mexico To The World — A Gastronomical Journey

If you have ever wondered about the origins of some of the most delicious ingredients in the world — the “Seeds of Identity” exhibition reveals the mystery.

The Embassy of Mexico in India, in collaboration with the India International Centre recently presented an intriguing exhibition, “Seeds of Identity: 31 Foods that Mexico Gave the World” showcasing photographs by two Mexican photographers, Ariadna Cuadriello and Juan Pablo Cardona.

Chillies originated in Mexico

Hundreds of plants, flowers and fruits from Mesoamerica form the basis of today’s Mexican gastronomy — one that is diverse, healthy and creative. Many of these ingredients also spread throughout the world and were incorporated into other countries’ cuisines, including India. The exhibit aimed to catalogue the Mesoamerican culinary history through an overview of foods, taking the viewer on a short, entertaining and visual journey showing the natural beauty of the foods out of which Mexican culture has emerged.

Minister Eduardo Martinez Curiel, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Mexico inaugurating the “Seeds of Identity” exhibition, along with Air Marshal (Retd.) Naresh Verma, Director, India International Centre

The exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 at the Art Gallery, IIC Annexe by Minister Eduardo Martinez Curiel, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Mexico in India, and Air Marshal (Retd.) Naresh Verma, Director, India International Centre with the traditional lighting of the lamp. It was a well-attended event, that left many visitors intrigued by the striking similarities between Mexican and Indian foods.

Fascinated by the diverse flavours of Mexico, Air Marshal Naresh Verma expressed surprise at the foods which Indians usually consider their “own”, such as the “Chikoo” (Chicozapote), or the North-Indian staple pulse, “Rajma” (Frijol), which has its origins in Mexico and is a very popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine.

Did you know that vanilla, tomato, peanuts, yam and squash all originated in the Mesoamerican region?

In an attempt to promote Mexican gastronomy, which is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the “Seeds of Identity” exhibition was put together with the support of the Ministry of External Relations of Mexico (SRE), Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), and Artes De Mexico, the journal which first published the history and culture of these foods.

Download an audio-guide of the Mexican photographic exhibition Seeds of Identity

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Embassy of Mexico in India

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Embajada de México en India, Bangladesh, Maldivas, Nepal y Sri Lanka

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