The Inspiration for Cucina di Madre Terra

Returning to My Roots: A Journey Back to West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains

By Frank Webb

Forty years ago, I left the rolling hills and verdant valleys of West Virginia, eager to uncover adventure and knowledge in the bustling cities beyond. I didn’t realize that one day, the call of these mountains would guide me back—not only to my homeland but to a legacy shaped by generations before me. It was in their fields, their kitchens, and their way of life that I would find both a purpose and a new respect for the hands and hearts that sustained our Southern heritage.

Crossing the state line recently, a profound nostalgia washed over me. The familiar mountains, viewed now through years of experience, seemed to speak of the generations who loved and worked this land long before me. It was as if the voices of the old mountain farmers were calling, urging me to remember what their hard work had preserved: an unbroken connection to the soil, to a culture nurtured by simple but enduring foods, and to a deep pride in what we call home.

Returning to West Virginia wasn’t just a journey home; it was a rediscovery of heritage. Here, I learned again what it meant to live a life rooted in simplicity, dedication, and an unbreakable bond with the earth. My hands, once accustomed to keyboards, now eagerly dig into the soil, reconnecting me with a way of life I had all but forgotten. The act of growing food, harvesting a basket of tomatoes, or watching a field of corn sway in the breeze feels more precious than any urban convenience. This is the true wealth of the mountains, a treasure preserved through tradition and hard work, waiting for us to carry it forward.

Same buckets, 50 years later.

But my journey isn’t only for myself. I’ve witnessed the quiet resilience of small family farms, often overlooked in a world that prizes speed over substance. These farms, their people, and their cuisine reflect a history that deserves to endure. I’ve realized that my purpose extends beyond reconnecting with my heritage; it’s about lifting up those who have stayed behind, keeping alive the customs and flavors that define Southern culture. From West Virginia’s homesteads to small farms across the South, there are those leading the way—preserving traditions not for fame or glory, but out of a love for this land and the heritage it holds.

Today, I work to create a network that supports small producers through Cucina di Madre Terra. By sharing knowledge and creating markets for locally grown produce, we’re championing sustainable and regenerative agriculture—not as trendy terms, but as ways to honor the land and our ancestors. It’s a life that calls for harmony with nature, promising that the harvests of tomorrow won’t deplete what our children will inherit.

As I look to the future, my heart is filled with hope and resolve. The path isn’t easy, but the call of these mountains is strong. It’s a call to protect and celebrate a legacy, to support those who work tirelessly to preserve the tastes, stories, and wisdom of the South. Together, we are guardians of our shared past, and I am honored to answer that call for the generations who will one day hear their own whispers through these valleys and hollows.

Returning to my ancestral soil has shown me that true richness lies not in material gain but in the health of our land, the quality of our food, and the strength of our communities. I’m committed to sharing this heritage and working to cultivate a more sustainable future, grounded in the simple, soulful wisdom passed down by the people of the mountains.

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