The Ethnobotany of Candomblé with Dr. Bob Voeks
About this episode
This episode explores the ethnobotany of Candomblé and its connections to African plant knowledge and foodways.
Journey to Brazil to uncover the hidden roots of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition shaped by African plant knowledge, resilience, and cultural memory. In this episode, I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bob Voeks to explore how enslaved Africans preserved sacred healing traditions and foodways across the Atlantic, transforming plants into powerful symbols of identity and survival. From spiritual cleansing rituals with sacred leaves to the fascinating story of caruru, a revered okra dish tied to twin deities, we trace the remarkable journey of African plants through the diaspora. Along the way, we uncover surprising connections linking Candomblé, callaloo, and even Southern gumbo, revealing how food can carry history, spirituality, and culture across continents and generations. #Okra #Gumbo #Acarajé #DiasporaFood #AfricanCuisine #BlackEyedPeas
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Bob Voeks
Topics covered
- ethnobotany
- Candomblé
- African plant knowledge
- cultural memory
- foodways
- spirituality
- diaspora
Keywords
- Candomblé
- ethnobotany
- African cuisine
- spiritual cleansing
- diaspora food
- cultural identity
- food history
Mentioned in this episode
Products: caruru, okra, callaloo, Southern gumbo, Acarajé, Black Eyed Peas
Books & works: Candomblé
Places: Brazil, Atlantic
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