BOSTON, September 11, 2017 — Looking to expand your global palate? Join the Oldways African Heritage & Health Program for “A Taste of African Heritage” (ATOAH) Cooking Class Demo and Tasting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6-8pm, at the Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St.

This fun and informative session about African heritage foods takes you on a tour of plant-based foods of Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the American South.

Presented by The Trustees and the Boston-based food and nutrition nonprofit Oldways, attendees will learn about the spices and herbs, leafy greens, whole grains, beans, tubers, fruits, and vegetables that have sustained Africans and their descendants for generations.

“Plant-based diets, the healthiest around, continue to gain in popularity,” said Johnisha Levi, program manager, Oldways African Heritage & Health Program. “During this A Taste of African Heritage class demo, home cooks can learn to make delicious, affordable, easy, and nutritious recipes showcasing the rich history and healthy roots of African culture and traditional cuisine.”

Participants will learn to make — and get to sample — three dishes:

  • Oldways Senegalese Sweet Potato Peanut Stew (Mafe)
  • Oldways Cold Black-Eyed Pea Salad 
  • Oldways Tangy Collard Greens

The cost is $5, and tickets may be purchased at the registration site.

The Roots of A Taste of African Heritage Cooking Classes

This two-hour class is based on Oldways’ popular six-week A Taste of African Heritage community cooking classes held across the country. The next six-week session in Boston takes place at The Daily Table Demonstration Kitchen in Dorchester on Wednesday nights starting September 13 (places limited/registration required).

At a time when African-American health disparities are frequently reported in the news, ATOAH works to reverse that trend. Supported by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, ATOAH brings the African Heritage Diet Pyramid to life, showing participants how to eat and cook healthfully, traditionally, and enjoyably through hands-on experience.

Since 2012, more than 2,500 students have participated in a total of 250 ATOAH classes nationwide. The results:

  • 62% of students have lost weight
  • 30% have reduced blood pressure
  • 53% have lost inches from their waist

The majority of students also report sustaining the positive lifestyle changes taught in the class, such as eating more plant-based foods and cooking at home.

For more information, visit the Oldways’ A Taste of African Heritage website.

About Oldways 

Oldways is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health via traditional eating choices. They offer educational programs and recipes based on cultural heritage, the goodness of whole grains, and the practices of traditional cheese-making. Find out more at www.oldwayspt.org.