Three Sisters in The Kitchen: A Traditional Maya Cooking Class

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 this September. Learn some of the medicinal and culinary uses of various herbs and vegetables grown in their garden.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to make

Corn tamales with fresh whole beans
Tomatillo sauce with tomatos green onions & hot green peppers
Fresh beans soup with squash flowers and corn
Squash with brown sugar (dessert)

Try your hand at making these delicious dishes and enjoy the garden-fresh dishes you prepare! If time permits, participants will have a chance to visit the Maya Garden at the UBC Farm.

Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2pm-4pm

Location: UBC Farm Centre

3461 Ross Drive

Vancouver BC

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/MMO1

What to bring: Notebook and pen

The Maya Garden at UBC Farm:

The idea for the Maya garden began in 1986 when the first five Maya families came to Canada as refugees from Guatemala. For thousands of years, Our ancestors, the Mayan people have worked the land planting corn, beans and squash (the three sisters). The Maya civilization and culture has evolved around the planting of corn. The main goal of these Mayan families was to keep the Mayan traditions and culture alive by continuing to grow Maya crops in Canada. This has allowed the 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 and supporter 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 welcomed the idea and in 2000, the garden was established 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.