Cultural and gastronomic rescue of the chaguarmishqui in the Pujilí canton 2024

Abstract

In Pujilí, the chaguarmishqui is a symbol of the connection between people and nature. It is the result of centuries of knowledge that has been transmitted by parents and grandparents, where each family had its own recipe and its own secrets. But now, with the advent of processed foods and the influence of globalization, this knowledge is in danger of disappearing. The objectives of this research are to determine the theoretical references that justify carrying out a cultural and gastronomic rescue of the chaguarmishqui in the Pujili canton, to collect information on ancestral techniques, ingredients, preparation methods and cultural meaning of the chaguarmishqui. An ethnographic investigation is carried out, with the method of direct observation and application of surveys to older adults according to the population and housing census of Ecuador in 2022, a sample of 263 surveys has been taken. Among the results, the visibility of the population towards this drink is obtained as an important tradition for the canton, the important ingredients are cabuyo candy, barley rice and water, there is still the use of a traditional pot to make it through of boiling as the traditional preparation method. It is concluded that it is of utmost importance to carry out a cultural and gastronomic rescue of an emblematic drink such as chaguarmishqui both for the canton and for the province in general.