Washington, D.C. ­— The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is proud to be a major sponsor of "Kaypi Perú," (“This is Peru”), a festival highlighting the South American nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. PAC is donating a palette of 100,000 perfectly ripe avocados that will be used to create unique dishes including guacamole, avocado truffles, ribbon avocado summer salad, avocado oatmeal cookies, and an avocado gelateria, provided by Firenzes Gelateria and Café of Annapolis, Md., featuring three Peruvian avocado flavors (Pisco Sour Sorbet; Coco Loco; and Mint and Oreo Cookies Gelato) with vegan and organic options.

“We are pleased to offer you a small window into Peruvian culture through Kaypi, a window we invite you to enlarge and turn into a bridge that links cultures and people. It is an effort to bring D.C. a little part of our country and show you who we are, how we express our culture and traditions,” said Ambassador of Peru, Carlos Pareja.

PAC is celebrating Kaypi Perú with the historical lens of nearly 15,000 years ago, where some of the earliest known Americans were found recently by an archaeologist from the University of Vanderbilt. Traces of some of South America’s earliest people were found under an ancient dirt pyramid in Lima, Peru. This revolutionized researchers’ thinking about the earliest Americans and undoubtedly the traces of the avocado as well.

Today, avocados are exploring their sweet side with top food influencers featuring exuberant combinations of ingredients taking on the conventional schools of thought on savory or guacamole interpretations of the avocado. Avocados are woven into the thread of Peruvian history and cuisine and are becoming a major food staple of the American diet. This event will highlight the versatility of this delicious Peruvian fruit and the innovative dishes that can be created from it.

“We are honored and thrilled to be a part of Kaypi Perú and illustrate to the Washington, D.C. community the intersection of Peruvian avocados and the heritage of Peru,” said Xavier Equihua, president and CEO of the Peruvian Avocado Commission. “At a time when avocados are in peak season, this event is very timely to feature the best recipes and health benefits of Peruvian avocados to a broad audience."

The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting Kaypi Perú, which is free and open to the public July 27 through July 30. The museum’s dedication to native cultures and its many programs demonstrating their richness, depth and diversity will enrich and enhance the festival.

The Embassy of Peru is hosting this event in conjunction with Peru’s National Day. The Embassy supports and coordinates cultural activities from Peruvian artists who come to Washington, D.C. for presentations and exhibitions in all artistic fields to inform American citizens on Peruvian culture.

The Kaypi Perú Inauguration Event on July 27 will include:

Unique avocado-based appetizers and desserts in artistic arrangements

Free giveaways to attendees including charming canvas bags to pack with ripe avocados placed around the museum and the Avocados from Peru original cookbook

A multimedia display of some of PACs most memorable avocado dishes

Kaypi Perú is in the indigenous language of Quechua and will include an art market, music and dance performances, hands-on activities for kids, films, a gastronomic experience, and an exhibition of the Ese’Eja people of the Amazon. More information is available at https://www.kaypiperu.com.

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ABOUT THE PERUVIAN AVOCADO COMMISSION

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2011 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC’s promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Promotion Program for Hass Avocados which is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Avocados from Peru will be available in the U.S. through September. For more information about the PAC please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email [email protected].

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Source: The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC)