In Peru, layers of potatoes, meat, and sweets are steamed in a pit filled with volcanic rocks.

Peru's strikingly beautiful mashed potato casserole.

Growing this sweet, tropical fruit sometimes requires careful hand-pollination with a paint brush.

In the mountains of southeast Brazil, the droppings of invasive yet protected birds are turned into expensive, delicious coffee.

Made from dozens of regional flowers and herbs, this tea reflects the unique flora of Loja, Ecuador.

In Venezuela, traditional Christmas bread marries ham, raisins, and olives.

This tangy fruit flavors everything from ice cream to cocktails.

This traditional Brazilian raw milk cheese is caught in the crosshairs of a battle over government regulation.

In Chile's central Araucanía region, the indigenous Mapuche community still makes this smoky spice blend.

In the desert of La Guajira, Colombia, locally grown cowpeas hold spiritual meaning for the Wayúu tribe.

Pivotal to the culture and cuisine of Brazil's Baniwa people, this piquant pepper-and-salt seasoning now provides the community with sustainable income.

The sweet potato donuts are an integral part of the Afro-Peruvian community.

In the city of Potosí, a steamy soup bubbles from the heat of volcanic rocks.

Its pulp tastes just like the creamy spread.

This rare berry grows only in two Chilean towns.

Some bread goes in the oven for an hour; some goes underground for two years.

When soaked and blended with water, the tigernut creates a nutritious nondairy beverage.

When life gives you lemons, this tropical fruit makes 'em taste like lemonade.

Egyptian pigeons are raised in special towers, then stuffed and eaten.

Juice from the Baobab tree “tastes like sunshine” and treats dysentery.

The birthplace of coffee celebrates community with a sensory feast.

The spiky, fruit cup-flavored orb made an appearance on “Star Trek.”

Across East Africa, these cardamom-flavored doughnuts are the perfect pairing for chai.

The intoxicating South African fruit is beloved by humans and elephants.