Having this dish for breakfast was a tradition in Costa Rica. It contains half rice, half beans and delicious smells. But apparently, Gallo Pinto is dying.
Costa Rica would not be fulfilling the 30% of bean production to meet local demand.
This was stated by Ellen Levinson, representative of the United States Dry Bean Council, as part of the closure of the International Year of Legumes, celebrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
For the expert, the problem with this is not to lose the traditional dish but lose the nutritional contributions it contains.
That’s a problem because it has always been a very good source of nutrition. We’re looking at an increase in cases of obesity in children and years later, problems with diabetes and heart disease,”
she said.
Beans provide protein, healthy forms of carbohydrates and they are rich in vitamins and minerals.
The expert recommended giving more information to health professionals, food lovers, chefs and even food processors, so that this food re-excels in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica used to consume lots of rice and beans in one, two or even three meals a day. The consumption of these foods has been reduced and health problems have increased,”
said José Francisco Araya, representative of Kani Mil Novecientos Uno, a producer of beans.