Returned with Hearts Full of Inspiration! Highlights from 2024 Terra Madre – Salone Del Gusto

The biennial Slow Food international event, Terra Madre—Salone del Gusto, concluded its five-day run on September 26th to 30th in Turin, Italy, with resounding success. The Slow Food Taitung delegation, with their successful participation, returned home with invaluable experiences and memories, a testament to their hard work and dedication. While our social media updates showcased stunning Italian scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and the delegation’s packed schedules, snippets alone don’t do justice to the whole story. So, what exactly happened at Terra Madre? What caught the attention of global Slow Food communities, and how did Taitung’s unique food culture leave its mark? Join us as we relive the vibrant scenes and share the inspiring moments from this global gathering!

A Feast of Global Flavors: Taitung’s Delights Take Center Stage

2024 Terra Madre – Salone Del Gusto featured 22 thematic zones, including the Italian Food Fair, Slow Food Coffee Coalition, University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG), and the Slow Food Presidia section. The Slow Food Taitung Booth was located in the International Market, a vibrant hub where diverse Slow Food communities came together to exchange culture through food. For the first time participating in an international Slow Food event, the Taitung delegation presented a curated selection of local specialties under the theme “Taitung’s Slow Food Products.” Offerings included specialty coffee, traditional sticky rice wine, Taitung Red Oolong tea, and hand-harpooned marlin floss. These were complemented by Taitung Slow Food Festival classics like Bunun millet rice, innovative sake lees gnocchi, and the Amis-inspired Siraw rice ball, crafted with Italian cured ham, salt, and rice wine. These dishes, a testament to Taitung's culinary prowess, attracted international Slow Food representatives and Italian visitors and earned high praise. One visitor described the Taitung booth as offering the “most delicious food at the event.” Such feedback filled us with both surprise and gratitude, and it was a proud moment for Taitung's culinary scene.

Showcasing Excellence: The Food & Agriculture Exhibit

Beyond indulging in flavorful dishes, the Italian Food Fair—one of the event’s highlights—provided an awe-inspiring experience. Producers from across Italy showcased and sold traditional foods and beverages, ranging from freshly pressed olive oil and artisanal cheeses to diverse heritage food varieties preserved through the Slow Food Presidia project. The Taitung delegation had the unique opportunity to exchange ideas with these producers and learn valuable techniques in Italian food processing and ingredient applications. One notable encounter was with Montanaro 1938, a fourth-generation olive oil producer from southern Italy’s Palazzo San Gervasio. Despite language barriers, mobile translation tools bridged the gap, and we learned that their commitment to quality and heritage deeply resonated with us, enriching our cultural exchange.

Highlighting Taitung’s Ingredients in the Global Slow Food Network

Terra Madre featured four categories of iconic ingredients—Slow Beans, Slow Olive, Slow Grains, and Slow Mays (corn)—spotlighting the rich history and culture behind these foods. Taitung’s red quinoa and millet were prominently featured, drawing attention to their cultural significance. Scholars and advocates showcased traditional farming techniques, processing methods, and culinary applications, emphasizing the importance of seed preservation in sustaining cultural heritage. As seed conservation gains traction, traditional cultures can continue to thrive, ensuring the passing of these precious resources to future generations.

Slow Food Seeds Take Root and Flourish

With over a decade of dedication, Taitung’s Slow Food movement has cultivated rich soil for growth. The Terra Madre experience felt like watching the seeds sown over the years begin to sprout. This year’s journey has not only spread those seeds further but also planted hope for an abundant harvest of Slow Food collaborations in the future. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Taitung on the global Slow Food stage!