Gastronomy and sustainability in the rural world star in the 8th Summer University of Aras de los Olmos

Aras de los Olmosand the Valencian Serranía districts count with a rich culinary tradition, that on the last years has notoriously evolved in quality and projection. In this context, the training sessions of the UVAO have offered an integral vision of the gastronomic phenomena, highlighting their historic, cultural, social, economic and territorial dimensions. Around thirty specialists of the UV in different fields have shared knowledge and experiences, connecting local with global and tradition with innovation.

The inaugural act, celebrated on Thursday, 10 July, counted with the participation of the Mayor of Aras de los Olmos,Rafael Giménez Chicharro; the Vice-Principal for Culture and Society of the Universitat de València,Ester Alba; andCarla Soler, coordinator of the UVAO 2025 and responsible of the GastronomicClub of the UV.

Throughout the workshops they were tackled topics such as the recovery of traditional recipes and rural diet as part of the cultural heritage. Current issues such as food safety and gastronomic sustainability were also pointed. Among the proposed strategies for a more responsible and efficient consumption we point out: the design of menus with local and seasonal products to reduce the environmental footprint, the comprehensive exploitation of food through techniques that minimise waste, the composting of organic waste and the consumers training on a more conscious consumption.

These reflections were complemented with the analysis on local development, gastronomic marketing and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural environments, with special attention put on the fundamental role of women as promotion agents of the territory.

During the meeting, three volumes of the new UVAO book collection were presented, result of the previous edition, centred in the three fundamental exes for the territory:Botánica y desarrollo local sostenible, Gestión y patrimonio hídrico y Paleontología y desarrollo rural. Furthermore, dissemination activities linked to the environment were done, as a sensorial experience in the Botanical Garden and then a nocturnal visit to the Observatory UV Aras de los Olmosabout the relationship between sky and agri-food production.

With a interdisciplinary focus and a strong influence of local identity, the UV through the UVAO and the project Big History led by the professor JoaquínMartínCubas, reaffirms their compromise with Aras de los Olmos —district of less than 400 inhabitants— promoting scientific dissemination and university culture through a cultural programme and their own installations in the district.