Zócalo Gourmet Introduces Indigenous Peruvian Foods at IFBC!

Just as the zócalo, or main plaza, is central to community life in Latin America, so too is traditional, locally produced food. With over 35 species of corn, 2,000 varieties of potatoes, and 650 native species of fruit, Peru is an important center for genetic diversity. Zócalo Gourmet, part of Seattle-based importer, Culinary Collective, supports small-scale producers of cultural foods in Peru by sourcing high quality products from these small producers. When farmers and producers can continue to earn a living, traditional foods, culture, and genetic diversity are preserved.

Zócalo Gourmet imports from Peru:

Pussac Punay Andean Heritage Beans, a mosaic-like blend of twenty similar bean varieties that have the same growth cycle and have been planted together for generations high in the Peruvian Andes—a 2011 NASFT Silver sofi™ award finalist.

Chilies in ground, pod and paste forms:  the cornerstones of Peruvian cuisine:  Aji Amarillo, Aji Limo and Aji Panca.

Kañiwa grain and heritage flours: Kañiwa, Mesquite, Purple Corn, Sweet Potato, Amaranth, and Quinoa.  Kañiwa grain is a 2011 NAST Silver sofi award finalist.

Unique spreadable sweets: Organic Mesquite Honey and Goldenberry and Elderberry Whole Fruit Spreads.

All Zócalo Gourmet products are naturally gluten free. All are produced with natural methods and have passed Culinary Collective’s stringent requirements to achieve its Rooted Foods designation.  Most products are organic.  Find them at specialty foods retailers nationwide, and online at The Spanish Table and Tienda.

Visit the Zócalo website and blog and like them on Facebook for additional information, recipes and stories of the people behind the products.

About Culinary Collective

Based in Seattle, Washington,Zócalo Gourmet is a division of Culinary Collective,an import and distribution company specializing in gourmet cultural foods that embody and promote native cultures and traditions. Under its Matiz España label, Culinary Collective imports and distributes traditional Spanish products. Under its Zócalo Gourmet brand, the Collective supports small-scale producers of all-natural cultural foods in Latin America by bringing quality products direct from the producers to U.S. and Canadian retailers and consumers.  Culinary Collective is proud to be a Certified B Corporation.