Real and Immeasurable: An Exploration of Intangibility and Authenticity

Debates around what’s traditional or authentic are constantly spinning in the culinary world— so much so that numerous organizations have been formed to protect the authenticity of various dishes and production methods. In Mezcal’s case, there is an organization whose name translates to The Mexican Regulatory Council for the Quality of Mezcal. The stated purpose of this group, and others like it, is to uphold quality through strict regulations and guidelines. But how do these regulations potentially push people out?

This week on Meat and Three, we’re unpacking the meaning of authenticity in the culinary world. We explore the pressure authenticity can have on individuals and how there may be more than one “right” version of the way to cook a dish.