Stories of Argentinean Producers: Cassava Flour in Misiones
The demanding task of family farming: a family that produces cassava flour in Misiones
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Located in northeastern Argentina, the province of Misiones is surrounded by some of the mightiest rivers in South America. These conditions give it a subtropical climate and allow it to host natural wonders like the Misiones forest and Iguazú Falls.
Un colibrí en la chacra en Paraje Nueva Argentina. (2020-12-26/2020-12-28) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
In Puerto Rico, Misiones, we learn the story of Mario and Cecilia and their sons Manuel and Jaime, a family of cassava flour producers. Cassava, typical of Mesopotamian Argentina, was cultivated by the Guaraní, an original native people from this region in South America.
La chacra en Paraje Nueva Argentina. (2020-12-26/2020-12-28) by Fotógrafo 2: Gonzalo Guendler.Gustar
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Among the red dirt roads, humid climates, and high temperatures, cassava farming prospers. In Misiones, it has grown into a major industry, sporting around 40,000 hectares planted on top of industrial demand from starch manufacturing companies.
La chacra en Paraje Nueva Argentina. (2020-12-26/2020-12-28) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
In an allotment bought in the early 20th century by Mario’s grandfather, his children and grandchildren now cultivate, harvest, peel, and clean cassava roots to sell them at local markets.
Mónica y Leticia comen Mbejú (2021-01-27/2021-01-29) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
The strong presence of cassava in the Misiones diet dates back centuries. It is said that mbeyú, a traditional pancake made with cassava starch and white cheese, highly popular in northeastern Argentina, has its origins in Franciscan reductions and Jesuit missions..
Preparacion del Mbejú (2021-01-27/2021-01-29) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
Preparacion del Mbejú (2021-01-27/2021-01-29) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
La chacra en Paraje Nueva Argentina. (2020-12-26/2020-12-28) by Fotógrafo 1: Julio Noguera.Gustar
Below, the family tells us what their daily work is like, share attitudes and feelings about cassava production, and talk about their own lives in this charming Misiones setting.
Productores, Misiones: mandiocaGustar
COMI Cocina Misionera, Ministerio de Turismo de Misiones /Video: CONTAR, public platform for audiovisual content, National Secretariat for Media and Public Communication. www.cont.ar/Editor: Diego Marinelli <br>
