Thursday, September 17
Duck Club at the San Joaquin Marsh
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.

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Program Description

Join us for a live food demonstration exploring one of California’s most overlooked native superfoods: the acorn. Acorns are a dietary staple for California’s Indigenous peoples, prepared through time-honored techniques passed down across generations. Abe Sanchez will guide us through this rich culinary tradition and show how acorns can be used in today’s kitchens.

During the culinary lesson, Abe will cover the cultural history and significance of acorns as a native food source, how to gather and identify different species of acorns, and the steps involved in proper acorn preparation.

Whether you’re a native plant enthusiast, a forager, or simply curious about California’s Indigenous food traditions, this program offers a fascinating look at how an ancient food source is finding new life on our tables today.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample food prepared by Abe during the program. Sample cups will be provided.

About the Presenter

Abe Sanchez (Purépecha) is actively involved in the revival and preservation of Indigenous arts and foods. Two of his specialties are Southern California American Indian basket weaving and native foods. His goal is to promote the decolonization of our diets by cooking and consuming native California and Southwest plant-based foods.

He works with traditional scholars and cultural specialists to learn culinary methods and cultural practices, which he combines with his years of research and experience. He is particularly interested in traditional foods that are sustainable and readily available, yet underused.

He believes that teaching about these ancient foods and helping people learn how to gather, prepare, and eat them again will make a significant difference in our health and the health of our environment.