My tradition is Peruvian food, or otherwise known as “Comida Criollo”. My father immigrated from Peru around 2005. With him came my aunt and uncle, and a lot of family is still in Peru. This food is made with a variety of ingredients like different types of fish, potatoes, and chilies.  A lot of ingredients that are used for these dishes are hard to acquire in the United States. Most of them have to be transported directly from Peru to America. They have to be dehydrated or air-tight sealed to prevent them from going bad. In the summer and spring, a majority of Peruvian dishes consist of seafood. Whereas in the fall and winter, soups and stews rule the menu. A lot of different soups and stews are cooked in the fall and winter. These recipes have been around for a long time and have made their way through several generations. They have never been made with a cookbook, only being passed down through memory or feel. My dad tries to keep Peruvian food in our meal rotation, because of how it reminds him of his childhood.  It is important to our family because we can remember the diversity and union our culture has. My family's story has been a little bit different since we have been able to maintain a constant balance between American culture and Peruvian food in what we eat. Overall, it is necessary to learn that it is important to keep your culture in everyday life.

– Ben Medina

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant