Why on earth would I give up mis tacos de lengua, arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, bandeja paisa, asado, curanto, ceviche, o encebollado? Well with the rise of Veganism in the U.S., the lifestyle is spilling over to our ‘meaty’ Latinx cuisine to something a little less…meat-filled.
So what is Veganism and how will it change Sunday at abuela’s?
Veganism It is about eliminating the use and consumption of animal products. That includes avoid eating dairy, eggs, and honey. The second benefit is that shifting to a plant-based diet can have positive impact on our health and the environment; that includes preventing high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes, or reducing energy consumption and conserving water to name a few.
And although a lot of Latinx cuisines are “culturally nostalgic working-class food,” as mentioned by Latinx Vegan food entrepreneur Raul Medina, there are some staples in Latinx food that are already Vegan (you’re halfway there!) Staples such as corn, rice, plantains, beans, chiles, tomatoes, avocado, potatoes, cassava just to name a few.
A younger generation of socially conscious Latinx consumers, more proactive and putting a stronger emphasis in consuming ethically sourced goods is the future of the Vegan Movement.
