Welcome to Music and Mangos, a vibrant celebration of my lifelong journey with veganism, harmonizing the flavors of wholesome plant-based recipes, and resonating with insightful reflections and reviews. With over 25 years as a dedicated vegan and a parent raising two plant-powered children, this blog is a symphony of my experiences, blended with the melodies of a world traveler and professional musician.
Dive into the rich notes of my passion for plant-based nutrition, cultivated through formal education, including certification from T. Colin Campbell’s Plant-Based Nutrition course at eCornell and The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Food for Life program. As a Food for Life instructor, I bring you not just recipes but a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and practical cooking guidance for incorporating healthful eating.
As a professional musician traversing national and international landscapes, join me as I compose a melody of insights into navigating diverse culinary realms, offering restaurant reviews and practical healthy vegan travel tips. With this score, I aim to inspire and guide fellow adventurers, showcasing that being a vegan on the move is not only possible but also a harmonious and delectable experience.
This blog resonates with the chords of my social justice activism spanning racial, gender, climate, and food justice for over two decades. As a board member for Soul Fire Farm, I strive to support and amplify work that is “uprooting racism and seeding sovereignty in the food system.” Additionally, my passion for growing life-giving food further enriches this narrative. Through hands-on experiences, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of growing one’s own sustenance, fostering a sense of empowerment and reverence for the natural world.
Rooted in the wisdom of my Puerto Rican ancestors, especially my grandmothers, Music and Mangos is more than a food blog—it’s a tribute to the healing power of plants. Join me on this eclectic journey where the love for veganism, music, travel, nutrition, urban gardening, food sovereignty, and the richness of cultural heritage converge into a delightful feast for the senses.
About me, Taína Asili
Growing up in upstate New York, I surprised my Puerto Rican family with the decision to become a vegetarian at the tender age of 10, a choice met with love and support. Their encouragement persisted when, at 19, my dedication to veganism blossomed, fueled by a passion for punk rock and the animal rights movement. Even then, my family embraced my journey, and my grandmother became an inventive ally in crafting vegan versions of our favorite Puerto Rican dishes. My family also welcomed my budding activism, which included co-founding a local chapter of Food Not Bombs, sharing free vegan meals as a protest against war and poverty.
However, the landscape of my life shifted dramatically throughout my 20s, with each passing year marking the departure of beloved family members. My mother, father, grandfather, grandmothers, and uncle all succumbed to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and dementia. As a young mother, these heart-wrenching experiences fueled my determination to break away from the cycle of generational health challenges that had plagued my family and pursue a healthier life for myself and the next generation.
Living in Philadelphia at the time, a pivotal moment occurred when I encountered the “Food Is Medicine” class at Temple University’s Pan African Community Education Program, led by raw foodist Beverly Medley. This class broadened my understanding of the healing power of food, and impacted my health immensely. During this time I was also introduced to the joys of urban gardening. Under the guidance of a local master gardener, I started to learn the fundamentals of growing life-giving food.
A transformative trip to Puerto Rico further deepened my understanding of health disparities influenced by colonialism and slavery. Meeting with Naniki Reyes Ocasio of the Caney 5th World Learning Center and activist Dylcia Pagan, I delved into the historical roots of health inequities. Through this I started to understand that the death of my family members were not merely coincidence but connected to deep historical and present day systems of oppression. My close friendship with renowned food justice farmer Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, became a cornerstone in my pursuit of food justice. As a founding board member and board chair of Soul Fire Farm, my commitment to addressing health care and food system inequities intensified.
Guided by my ancestral roots, I found not only profound knowledge but also my life partner, Gaetano Vaccaro. Our collaborative music and activism have taken us worldwide, using our music towards racial, gender, climate, and food justice. My journey as an artist also encompasses the creation of impactful documentaries. “Plant the Seed,” a music video documentary featuring Leah Penniman, earned recognition for its contribution to the conversation around food justice. Similarly, my award-winning documentary, “Resiliencia,” delves into the effects of colonialism and climate change in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Raising two children alongside Gaetano, the original focus of this blog centered on our experiences as a vegan traveling family. In recent years, my passions have pivoted towards nutrition and whole plant foods as part of a new found practice of radical self-love. In 2022, I enrolled in T. Colin Campbell’s Plant-Based Nutrition course at eCornell, followed by Nicolette Richer’s Decolonize Your Plate course. In 2023, I became a certified Food for Life Instructor by The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and will be teaching classes in-person and online in 2024. Armed with this newfound knowledge, our family’s health has undergone a remarkable transformation, setting the stage for generations to come. Join me on this evolving journey as I share the lessons learned and the impacts on our lives through the lens of nutrition, whole foods, and the vibrant world of plant-based living.