Preserving Diversity Through Corn Whiskey

Today Zarela and Aarón are joined by their friend Yira Vallejo. Yira spent ten years as a brand incubator in the wine and spirits industry of New York City, before returning to Oaxaca in 2014. Now she works to preserve the cultural and biological diversity of Oaxaca through a number of projects, including a documentary film and the production of Mexican Corn Whiskey. Together Aarón, Zarela and Yira outline the history of corn whiskey, tell us about the system of seed exchange that has preserved heirloom crops, and explain how Yira partners with local farmers to encourage the production of these precious grains. For more recipes from Zarela and Aarón, visit zarela.com and chefaaronsanchez.com