On this episode of Culture & Flavor, Zella talks with Patty Durães, a food scholar with expertise in Afro-diasporic heritage in Brazilian cuisine based in São Paulo, Brazil. They discuss Patty's journey as an Afro-Brazilian food scholar and activist. Durães' research includes bibliographic and field research, articles, and speaking engagements at various institutions such as MASP, Itaú Cultural, Preta Hub, and SESC SP. Additionally, she has contributed to the São Paulo Book Bienal and the "Coisas Daqui" program on Globo Minas, expanding the dialogue on the importance of food in the construction of Brazilian identity. As a former TEDx Speaker, Durães shared her ideas in the talk "Let's Peel more and Unpack Less." Durães is the author of the course "Beyond the Mouth," a transatlantic journey through Afro-diasporic food in Brazil. Currently, Durães serves as the pedagogical coordinator at the Peripheral Gastronomy school and works as a literary project intermediary for the Companhia das Letras publishing house. Durães' passion lies in connecting Brazil's cultural and ethnic diversity to its cuisine, expanding the understanding of the intersection between food and identity. Tune in for a great conversation about Brazilian cuisine and culture! Photo courtesy of Vitória Leona.