Terra Madre: The Mother Land of Meat

The sign read "Via dei Salumi". Which translates loosely to "Cured Meat Lane". If you ever find yourself somewhere they have dedicated an entire lane to cured meats, then you may want to walk away from the light. It is the closest thing to a real life miracle as you will ever see. The term "lane" here was used very loosely. It would best be described as a cured meat interstate. This was the scene at Salone del Gusto the food show that runs concurrently with Terra Madre.

Although Salone packed the quantity, the quality was definitely found in the Slow Food Presidia. Here one could find unique food products that included cheese, cured meats, grains, chocolate, mead, wine, fruits, vegetables and honey just to name a few items. All of which have been designated as a protected food item by Slow Food. It is kind of like being on the endangered species list. Here you have the opportunity to taste, smell, feel and even buy things that at one point almost cease to exist.

Terra Madre was attended by over 8,000 delegates from all over the world. There was as much cultural diversity as there was food diversity. I have never found myself in a room with so many different languages and lifestyles, yet all bound by a common interest in farming and food.

The event is so overwhelming that you leave feeling drained and recharged all at the same time. The delegates from Indianapolis would probably agree that our food culture future is bright in the Midwest. Everyone has fresh ideas, willing to protect our food culture and are ready to put new ideas into action. Thanks again for all of your support through farm dinners, volunteering and Slow Food events. The Goose is recharged and ready to return the favor.