Ziv Cheng: The impact of the Columbian Exchange on Persian cuisine and culture in India

I did a project on the impact of the Columbian Exchange on Persian cuisine and culture in India. The Columbian Exchange was the movement of plants, animals, diseases, and people across the Atlantic Ocean after 1492. I used a 15th-century book of recipes as my primary source and cooked a three-course meal using its recipes. I also researched the history and culture behind these dishes and recorded a video of myself cooking and explaining them.

I am most proud of learning new skills such as making pastry dough, grinding spices, and frying samosas. I also developed my research, writing, and presentation skills with the help of my mentor and subject librarian. My biggest takeaway was that food is a way of expressing identity, creativity, and diversity. Overall experience This experience has supported my academic and professional goals by enhancing my skills and knowledge on global history and culture. 

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