Un Poco de Jardin: A Legacy of Love and Healing

In my family's kitchen, food was never complete without un poco de jardin: a touch of the garden. This simple tradition, passed down by by my beloved Tia Tita, turned every soup and main dishes into a celebration of love, memory, and healing.

My cherished Tía Tita — Carlota — was the visionary behind the delightful notion of garnishing every meal with a touch of the garden, simply put: un poco de jardín.

Kale and cilantro from our garden.

Technically, she was my mama’s aunt, but because they were the same age, and because they grew up together in 1940s Mexico City they considered themselves as primas, or cousins. Life and marriages eventually carried them to different corners of Mexico. Later, in the 1980s, destiny brought them back together as neighbors in Cuernavaca. Forever they called themselves hermanas del alma — soul sisters — bound by respect, love, and unwavering support.

Tomatillos sunbathing in our garden table.

Despite their similarities, they were distinctly themselves. My mama, Teresa, was the intellectual and bohemian, always with a cigarette in one hand, a history book in the other, and a soup-stained wooden spoon marking her place. She had a robust exterior but carried a spirituality and artistic flair that softened her presence.

Tía Tita, in contrast, embodied nurturing. Her apron pockets overflowed with yarn, scissors, and craft supplies, while pots bubbled on the stove and songs filled the kitchen. She often laughed that she “graduated” elementary school because she repeated first grade six times until the principal begged her to leave. Yet her wisdom ran deep, expressed in food, generosity, and love. Her philosophy was simple but profound:

“Mi cielo, siempre hay alguien más pobre que nosotros… debemos estar preparados para ayudar y compartir. Nunca lo olvides, tesoro.”

(“My heaven, there is always someone poorer than us. That’s why we must be ready to help and share. Never forget this, my treasure.”)

Harversting serranos and tomatoes.

Every dish she made carried that spirit of sharing, always crowned with her signature jardín — a seasonal mix of raw herbs and greens that added freshness, vibrancy, and soul.

What Is a Jardín?

A jardín is a fresh, organic garden topping for soups. Simple, versatile, and nourishing, it turns each bowl into a celebration of health and love.

Ingredients may include:

• 2 ripe organic avocados, cubed

• Finely chopped kale, chard, spinach, celery, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts (lightly cooked or raw)

• Fresh herbs: oregano, basil, peppermint, cilantro, dill, parsley

• Tomato or green onion (optional)

• Lime or lemon juice

• Chili flakes or fresh serrano/jalapeño, raw or lightly sautéed in coconut oil (summer) or ghee (winter)

• Drizzle of organic extra-virgin olive oil or ghee

• Sea salt to taste

How to use it: Prepare about 2 cups of raw greens and vegetables per person to top your daily soups. Sprinkle generously over each bowl just before serving.

Summer jardin recipe.

A Daily Ritual

Every time I prepare soup today, I remember the joy of standing in Tía Tita’s kitchen — the warmth of her singing, the sight of her apron stuffed with yarn, the fragrance of herbs cut fresh from the garden.

Her jardín was never just a garnish. It was a reminder that food is memory, healing, and connection — a way to honor family, nourish the body, and carry forward love across generations.

Our garden. Harvesting for our delicious soups.

Want more? If you’d like to read the full chapter, along with many more soulful recipes like this, you’ll find them in my book My Mama's Healing Soups — a garden-to-table journey of love, memory, and nourishment.

Explore more: Want to connect with healers, chefs, and herbalists who inspire traditions like these? Visit our [Conscious Directory] — a curated network of soulful practitioners, retreats, and ethical brands dedicated to wellness and sustainability.

Experience it in person: Join us on one of our upcoming retreats in Cuetzalan or Uxmal — immersive journeys into ancestral foodways, healing traditions, and mindful living. Taste, learn, and reconnect with nature and community.

Watch the reel: IG @suddhaprem