Book launched on diverse culinary traditions & sustainable food practices of Himalayas

BOBORHIM RAI

GANGTOK,: The Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative, in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative, launched a ‘Farmed Foraged Fermented:

Celebrating Food Cultures of the Mountains’, a book which explores the diverse culinary traditions and sustainable food practices across the Himalayan region

The book is edited by Roshan Rai, a member of Zero Waste Himalaya, the Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative, and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, and Priyadarshinee Shrestha, also a member of Zero Waste Himalaya, the Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative.

The book emphasizes the significance of farmed, foraged, and fermented foods in maintaining health, ensuring nutritional security, and preserving cultural heritage. The book highlights the impact of globalization on local food systems, particularly the decline of traditional practices and the rise of processed food consumption, which has contributed to growing plastic waste.

It also features photographs from the Indian Himalayan Photography Contest, organised by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative (DHI) as part of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit X, 2021 in Darjeeling-Kalimpong.

During the book launch event, the editors engaged in a conversation on local food cultures and briefly discussed the various sections of the book.

These sections include “People and Foodscapes,” which explores the relationship between communities and their food landscapes; “Food from the Wild,” focusing on foraged ingredients; “Food and Markets,” examining the role of markets in sustaining food cultures; “Making Food,” highlighting preparation processes; and “Fermented Food,” underscoring the importance of fermentation in local cuisine. Collectively, these sections illustrate the deep-rooted practices that continue to support Himalayan food systems.

Designed by Echostream, Gangtok-Sikkim, the publication aims to celebrate and conserve local food traditions amidst global dietary shifts. Proceeds from the book sales will go towards the Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative. The book is available at Rachna Bookstore, Gangtok and on their website, with delivery available across the country.