Resilience and Culinary Culture: Puerto Rico After Maria

The response by the U.S. to Hurricane Maria was slow and inadequate.

Many residents experienced power outages lasting almost a year.

Community members quickly mobilized to support each other during the disaster.

Local chefs utilized available resources to feed communities during food shortages.

Cooking became a means of comfort and support for those affected by the hurricane.

Dishes like sancocho blended available ingredients to provide nourishment and build nostalgia.

Puerto Rican cuisine reflects a blend of Indigenous, European, and local influences.

Innovative chefs are reviving complex traditional dishes that have fallen out of popular menus.

Use of local ingredients and sustainable practices is emphasized in modern cooking.

Local farmers play a crucial role in providing fresh ingredients to chefs and restaurants.

The hurricane highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices.

Community-focused farming initiatives are helping to revitalize the agricultural economy.

Puerto Rico faces significant economic challenges, including high dependence on imported goods.

The Jones Act limits trade opportunities and impacts local food production.

Efforts to enhance local agriculture aim to boost food sovereignty and reduce dependency.