The value of mestizo heritage seen from Gastronomic Intelligence

Abstract

Gastronomy is a living cultural phenomenon that evolves with the history of humankind, transitioning from mere sustenance to the encounter between cultures through journeys of discovery and migratory movements. This process bestows upon us a hybrid cultural heritage or gastronomic syncretism, enriching the culture and diet of the receiving society. We approach this concept from Gastronomic Intelligence, applying broad territorial knowledge to promote sustainable (social, economic, and environmental), development in an inclusive and non-ethnocentric manner. At its core is the value of the hybrid nature of cultures, as well as the sensory and emotional dimensions of the act of sharing meals. From the Gastronomic Intelligence perspective, we analyze food as a multidimensional phenomenon, recognizing the adaptive capacities of Indigenous peoples and their ability to symbolize their social and productive realities as genuine features of their anthropological and cultural history. At the same time, we acknowledge their capacity to evolve and integrate cultural elements from diverse origins, resulting in a rich hybrid heritage that must be recognized and valued, both for the local population and for potential visitors and tourists.