The Perennial Plate offers a rare glimpse into the lives of farmers around the world, showing their regard for the plants that sustain them, their communities, and the earth. But these weekly video episodes are more than clips about sustainable farming. We learn valuable lessons from these farmers as they share the ideas that carry them through life.
In the episode “There is only coffee” we see that Ethiopians not only produce coffee but also love it. Unity is strength when producing coffee in Ethiopia, where one farmer speaks of how much easier it is to produce coffee as part of a cooperative than as an individual, “You cannot wash your face with one hand.”
The episode “Stand Up,” is about teaching rural South African youth to grow their own food. In it, one soft-spoken farmer shares his dream of becoming a musician. “I have learned that if you are a human being, anything is possible.”
Another episode “Tea for Two” features the heartwarming account of the first time a Sri Lankan couple met: “I touched her toe with my toe under the table.” Their marriage was arranged, but 34 years later, they are still working side by side and very much in love.
The Perennial Plate has won two James Beard Awards, given to those who excel in cuisine, culinary writing and culinary education. Apart from the documentary series The Perennial Plate also features international recipes and a blog by its two creators.
Morrocan Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Daniel Klein started his career in culinary arts and education before pursuing film and working in documentary. He has produced other documentaries on Africa focusing on the development industry and oil politics. Mirra Fine started in Marketing before filming for The Perennial Plate.
In our ever-busy lives, we forget to take a moment to appreciate our food, where it came from, and the labor that went into its production. Visit The Perennial Plate for a dosage of the hearts and minds that produce the world’s food.
The Perennial Plate Ethi0pia!
