Taking South African Slow Food to the World

Kleinmond resident chef Gregory Henderson recently visited Italy to represent South Africa at the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2022.  Terra Madre translates to Mother Earth and this festival is the largest international event dedicated to good, clean, and fair food and to food politics.  It is part of a series of initiatives showcasing positive models for transformation of our food systems.  About 30 000 people gathered in Turin Italy to share sustainable food and wine practices.  Gregory was part of 20 South African delegates and the only Western Cape representative.  He specifically represented the South African Slow Chef Alliance, South African Slow Wine, and the Slow Food Community of the Southern Cape – the Overberg. This year’s theme was “Regeneration”.  A theme close to Greg’s heart in that one must look back to look forward.  Overstrand is acknowledged as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and as a local chef Greg considers ancient practices that sustains communities and preserves indigenous knowledge systems to rediscover our forgotten crops.

Gregory remarked “the interest in Southern Africa is remarkable and future collaboration will include food and wine events and mini-Terra Madre markets throughout South Africa to align communities with producers”.