Imagine sipping on a cup of rich, aromatic coffee—a drink that originated in Ethiopia and has since woven itself into the fabric of daily life in Costa Rica and around the world. Or consider how chocolate, which began as a bitter concoction cherished by ancient Mesoamericans, has transformed into a universally beloved treat. Have you ever thought about why tomatoes, native to South America became a key ingredient in Italian cuisine? And how did gallo pinto, a dish that perfectly embodies Costa Rican cuisine, come to rely on ingredients like rice, which originated in China? These questions highlight the captivating journey of food through history, a journey that transcends borders and eras to reveal the intricate connections that influence what we eat today. If you're curious about these connections, then this course will be an exciting exploration of how our food practices are shaped by the past.

This course explores the history of food in Latin America (with an emphasis on Costa Rica) through the lens of the Columbian Exchange, the monumental transfer of plants, animals, people, and ideas between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia following Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the New World. We will use the Columbian Exchange as a framework to examine the deep historical roots of contemporary food practices and movements in Latin America spanning Indigenous nutrition, colonization, slavery, immigration, organic agriculture, food sovereignty, and urban farms. 

By tracing the journey of foods like chocolate, sugar, coffee, bananas, pineapple, tomato, potato, corn, beans, wheat, and more, we will uncover the profound impacts of this global exchange on Latin American food systems, environment, and cultural identity.

Throughout the course, we will explore how the introduction of new crops and farming techniques during the Columbian Exchange influenced the development of Latin America’s agricultural landscape. We will investigate the history and use of medicinal plants and the recent rise of the organic agriculture movement in Costa Rica, examining how traditional practices and modern sustainability efforts intersect. 

The concept of food sovereignty will be a key focus, as we delve into the struggles and successes of local communities in reclaiming control over their food systems. We will also explore the nutritional foundation of longevity in the Blue Zones. 

Additionally, we will explore community-based farming initiatives that blend ancient wisdom with innovative practices to create sustainable, self-sufficient food networks in urban settings.