We are what we eat, and with every bite, we connect to the land and the nature that sustains us. Iolanda Bustos, a biodynamic chef and expert in wild botanical ingredients, reminds us of nature’s essential diversity with every dish she creates. In her company, a stroll through the Empordà is not just a walk; it’s a profound journey to the roots of this land, where the wildlife takes centre stage in our diet and wellbeing.

In this profoundly Mediterranean experience, foraging for flowers, shoots and fruits becomes an act of connection with the cycle of life. Each plant encountered carries the wisdom of the land, and an energy forged by the strength of the sun, the fresh rain and the pure air. Through the chef’s hands, these ingredients transform into dishes brimming with life, where what we eat not only nourishes our bodies, but also our emotions and souls.

Walking through the Empordà, guided by her knowledge, we learn to see the landscape anew – with eyes attuned to the hidden details, the small botanical treasures that are often overlooked. It’s a constant journey of discovery: a flower blooming by the roadside, a tender shoot ready to be picked, or a leaf that holds the earth’s flavour as well as its healing properties.

Each ingredient nature provides tells us of its purpose and history. The wildflowers we pick, before being transformed into a dish, already fill us with a sense of being grounded, a return to what is essential. Knowing that what we eat sustains us physically while connecting us to our surroundings reminds us of the importance of living at one with nature.

When these ingredients reach the plate, the magic still continues. Iolanda transforms these earthly treasures into culinary creations that not only delight the senses, but also prompt reflection on our relationship with what we eat. Every bite reminds us that we are part of an ecosystem that nourishes and sustains us.

This act of mindful eating – gathering and cooking with respect for the natural cycle – is a way of fully embracing life. Eating is not merely a means of survival; it’s a way to connect with the world around us. We are what we eat, for every ingredient we consume nourishes us inside and out, providing strength, health and balance, while linking us to the ancient knowledge and tradition of nature, that is all reflected in our dishes.