Discover why Tucson is home to the UNESCO-recognized Mission Garden

At first glance, the unassuming city of Tucson might not seem like a culinary hotspot, but its unique character tells a different story.

Upon closer inspection, Arizona's second-largest city reveals itself as a significant food destination. Tucson has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—the first in the US—due to its rich array of “heritage crops” that have nourished locals for generations, along with its distinctive Tucsonan flavors influenced by diverse cultures.

The Mission Garden is the perfect place to delve into the heart of this city, serving as a living agricultural museum that showcases the wealth of the Sonoran Desert, the thriving introduced crops, and the cultural narratives these plants have woven.

This venue stands out as one of the most thoughtfully curated museums I've encountered. More than just a beautiful place to wander, it operates as a working garden that supplies food to Indigenous elders, local chefs, and Tucson charities, while also functioning as an outdoor classroom for anyone eager to foster a connection with the Sonoran Desert.

The Indigenous heritage of Tucson

Mission Garden is situated in Cuk Ṣon, the ancestral land of the O'odham people, which served as the foundation for Tucson. Entering its gates means stepping onto sacred ground.

A significant portion of the garden showcases foods that have been integral to Indigenous culture for millennia. As you stroll through the towering corn, spiky agave, striped squash, and resilient tepary beans, it’s hard not to wonder how such abundance thrives in a desert. The secret lies in Tucson’s ancient floodplain with rich soil, meticulously tended and preserved by its Indigenous stewards.

Meagan Lopez, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and Cultural Outreach Liaison, underscores the significance of preserving these foodways for both Indigenous communities and newcomers to Tucson.

“For the O’odham, re-establishing these connections is vital, as they have been integral to our culture and history for thousands of years,” she explains. “For me, it’s essential to continue growing these foods and sharing them with those who appreciate their significance and enjoy tasting them.”

For Lopez, these plants offer more than sustenance—they impart crucial life lessons. Agave, in particular, stands out as one of her favorite plants.

“It may seem spiky and fierce, but it’s incredibly nutritious and surprisingly sweet,” Lopez says, gazing at the sword-like leaves with a smile. “It’s woven into our identity as desert inhabitants, teaching us how to thrive in this environment, whether that’s managing our water intake, selecting optimal living conditions, or demonstrating our resilience in extreme temperatures.”

Visitors to the garden can also embrace the agave experience themselves—discover how to plant, roast, or prepare it as food through various workshops that celebrate Indigenous culinary traditions.

A global impact on the Old Pueblo

While Indigenous traditions have been pivotal in shaping Tucson’s culinary landscape, they are not the sole influence. Contributions from Europe, Africa, Mexico, and China have introduced unique crops to this desert region, culminating in a cuisine of global significance.

The garden plots reflect this rich diversity: the Spanish colonial orchard flourishes with an array of fruit trees that thrive during the desert winters (including figs, pomegranates, Valencia oranges, and grapefruits), while the Africa in the Americas section boasts a vast field of yams, basil, gourds, moringa trees, and cowpeas. The Mexican plot showcases drought-resistant crops like summer corn, winter wheat, chilis, and cacti, and the Chinese garden features daikon, bitter melon, jujube trees, and goji berries.

Each community has significantly contributed to Tucson’s evolution—Chinese immigrants, for instance, played a key role in diversifying the restaurant landscape early on.

“By 1900, Tucson already had Chinese restaurants, hinting at the culinary diversity that has led us to become the gastronomic hub we are today,” shares Kendall Kroesen, Outreach Coordinator at Mission Garden. “Some of these early residents became farmers in this floodplain in the late 1800s and early 1900s, cultivating crops for sale to Mexican and Anglo-American communities in what is now downtown Tucson. They were among the first commercial farmers here.”

The Mission Garden and the age of climate change

While the garden’s design reflects the city’s rich history, it also embraces innovative ideas. “Understanding the past is crucial for envisioning what the future holds,” Kroesen explains.

Tucson's UNESCO application pointed out that its unique ecosystem and culinary traditions could serve as valuable resources for other regions as global weather patterns shift. This concept draws on climate analogs—algorithms that connect one city with another currently experiencing similar weather conditions that it may face in the future.

The desert is inherently unpredictable: it can be parched one moment and then hit by a flash flood, with extreme heat giving way to frigid cold. Yet, the local flora and fauna have adapted to these extremes, and for Lopez, staying attuned to these changes is vital as we navigate the challenges of climate change.

“The connection to nature in the desert is truly profound,” she reflects. “You develop a deeper appreciation for sunlight and warmth, as well as for the coolness and chill. By observing these variations, we can approach the idea of adapting to our changing environment with less fear and burden. Change has always been a part of life.”

How to Experience the Mission Garden

Visiting the Mission Garden is easy—just show up! Admission is always free, and most classes and events come at no cost. You can schedule a guided tour with a docent (which we highly recommend) or explore the garden at your own pace.