Partnership between the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo and ESHTE
The University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, Italy, an institution founded by Carlo Petrini, creator of the Slow Food movement, has entered into a new partnership with ESHTE, having already provided a unique learning experience for its postgraduate students in World Food Studies. The partnership, which aims to strengthen ties between theory and practice, will lead students to explore the principles of sustainability, preservation of traditional techniques, and valorization of territories, fundamental aspects of the Slow Food movement.
Through this collaboration, it is possible to experience the food culture and food systems of different regions up close, focusing on practical and immersive experiences that connect students to products and producers that align with the values of respect for the territory and the environment. The Pollenzo international student educational trip, which takes place in Portugal twice (March and June), is an unmissable opportunity to explore local gastronomy and food systems.
During the first visit, in March, students were able to engage in cultural, social and gastronomic practices that define Brazilian identity, discussing the most current issues related to food and the future of the food system; having had the following schedule drawn up by the GMRI (Office of Mobility and International Relations):
- Visit to the Quinta do Pisão vegetable garden.
- A guided tour, led by Cláudia Mataloto (Cascais FoodLab) and Diogo, from Quinta do Pisão, to explore local and sustainable agriculture, focusing on practices that preserve the environment and the region's traditions.
- Introduction to the impact of local gastronomy on sustainability and preservation of traditional techniques; tasting offered by Cascais FoodLab, based on the RAIZ Project by Cláudia Mataloto, developed within the scope of the Masters in Food Design at ESHTE.
- Visit to the WISSI-Atlantic Vegetables facilities.
- Presentation by Rodolfo Tristão about the wine region of Carcavelos, Bucelas, and Colares, with wine tasting.
- Lecture "Portuguese Gastronomy in the World" by Maria José Pires (ESHTE)
An approach on how Portuguese gastronomy has gained international prominence and its global influences.
The partnership also opens doors to an important field of exploration: contact with local producers, innovative gastronomic practices, and exclusive experiences that seek to preserve culinary traditions and valuable foods from each region. The invitation is open for possible partnerships with local producers, seeking initiatives that link gastronomy to the territory authentically and sustainably, with a focus on preserving traditional techniques and rare or forgotten foods. The focus is on showing how social and cultural movements, such as Slow Food, have positively impacted the way we view and experience food in our current society.
The collaboration between the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo and ESHTE is more than just an academic partnership – it is an opportunity to deepen understanding of global food systems, while celebrating local culture and preserving gastronomic traditions that shape the future of food worldwide.
