Food Sovereignty: Oaxacan Corn

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Corn is the staple ingredient that the rest of Oaxaca´s diet revolves around. Join us in this exploration of its importance, its vast biological diversity, and its cultural significance in Oaxaca in our collaboration with Xub Maíz.

During this theory-turned-practice experience, you will receive an introduction to the instrumental role that corn has played in Mexican and specifically Oaxacan history, followed by a talk regarding the changes this market has recently endured. Our hosts will explain their drive behind protecting local corn varieties and organizing small-time producers so that cultivating these native crops can be more economically-viable and sustainable .

You´ll be taught about Xub´s organization and mission, and then you´ll engage in a walk-through of the nixtamalization process that´s the first step in transforming corn into tortillas. Then you can get your hands into the mix preparing your own tostadas and tortillas while sipping a delicious cup of Oaxacan coffee!

You´ll be able to watch local ingredients be cooked into a delicious typical brunch, and can participate in each stage of the process. At the culmination of the experience, you´ll be able to taste the range of flavors that can be found in different varieties of native corn. 

Afterward, our hosts will walk you through their shop, which features all local and organic products made by various branches of their collective, including a dried-fruits project that they have underway in Magdalena Apasco, Etla. Xub Maíz delivery service has been a lifesaver during these quarantine times, delivering products directly from small local producers to consumers around Oaxaca!

What to Expect

Step One: Write to us and request this experience, telling us how many people are in your small group and what your dates of availability are. Let us know where we’re staying so that we can arrange to pick you up on the agreed-upon date.

Step Two: Once we’ve found a date that works for our hosts and for your group, we will send you a Paypal request for a deposit for your experience. This deposit is non-refundable. In case of an emergency with our hosts, we will do our best to reschedule with you at a mutually-convenient time. If that is not possible, we will refund your deposit.

Step Three: We will provide you with location information so that you can arrive at our site on the day of your experience.

Experience Includes

  • Historical and practical introduction to native corn in Mexico/Oaxaca
  • Talk about its importance, the deficiencies in the modern marketplace, and the steps that Xub is taking to improve this situatiion
  • The opportunity to watch and participate as corn is transformed into tortillas
  • A delicious traditional Oaxacan-style  brunch:
    • Coffee or Hot Chocolate (Made with water or milk)
    • Fruit Plate with Miel and Amaranth
    •  Bread from the Sierra with Homestyle Raspberry Jam
    •  An order of 3 Breakfast “Quelite” tacos
  • The opportunity to purchase products directly from  Xub  Collective´s producers in their local, organic store
  • Spanish-to-English translation

Logistics and Cost

Time Involvement – 3 Hours

Transportation – None.  XUB Maiz is located within Reforma @

Xub Maíz, Espacio Biocultural.
Privada de Gardenias, #214
Colonia Reforma, Oaxaca de Juárez

Costs and Minimums – 1,630 MXN

There is a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 people for this experience.

Schedule This Experience