Mexican food has enjoyed great popularity in America for years. From burritos to enchiladas, Mexican recipes are the pride of many an American cook and the colorful, spicy, delicious dishes grace many a table. Nevertheless, what is the story behind the cuisine? A little Mexican food history can spice up your kitchen and shed some light on the roots of many or our favorite dishes.
Although the Mayan culture is often credited for giving Mexican food its roots, the strongest influence came from the Spanish when they invaded Mexico in 1521. Cortez, the Spanish explorer, along with his followers, introduced many new foods into the Mexican culture. Pigs, cows and sheep as well as herbs, dairy products and various spices such as garlic had never graced a Mexican table until that time.
Although Cortez brought new foods to Mexico, Mexico also showed him a thing or two. He encountered a few new food items as well. He was introduced to peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, beans, avocados, coconuts, corn, squash, and tomatoes. It was a great effort of give and take and these foods have all worked together over then centuries to produce wonderful Mexican dishes.
Mexican food history is an interesting mixture of cultures. Many of the Mexican foods that are so-called "traditional" are actually rooted in other cultures in addition to the Mexican culture. Take quesadillas as an example. This mainstay of Mexican families is often considered to be quintessential Mexican, but in actuality, it takes its components from other cultures. The corn tortilla, the foundation for the quesadilla, is actually a Native American creation.
The cheese, pork, beef, and lettuce that grace so many of our favorite Mexican dishes, including the quesadilla, are Spanish. The hot sauce that is made from chili pepper, though, is indigenous to Mexico. However, it is a little known Mexican food history fact that many of the spices thought to be Mexican are actually Spanish in origin. Black pepper, cinnamon, coriander and oregano are several spices that are often used in Mexican cooking but are not native to the country.
In addition to the Mayans, Native Americans and Spanish influencing Mexican food, the French also left their mark. When Mexico was briefly under French occupation in the 1860's, popular dishes such as chiles en nogado, a dish of stuffed chilies in walnut sauce, was a result. These dishes sport a distinct French flair, but have become a standard part of Mexican culture.
While Spain and France have had strong influences in Mexican food history, perhaps one of the most popular has been the influence from the Southwest United States. Texas, to be exact. This interesting style of Mexican food, "Tex-Mex" is served in many restaurants the world over and is considered "Mexican food" although this is not necessarily the case. It is an often spicy, delicious blend of both cultures and has become widely accepted the world over.
Mexican food history is rich and varied. With so many interesting cultural influences throughout time, it seems that Mexico has been more of a culinary melting pot. What have resulted, however, are delicious foods, rich in flavor that has soared in popularity. It does not seem to be slowing anytime soon. - 15634
Although the Mayan culture is often credited for giving Mexican food its roots, the strongest influence came from the Spanish when they invaded Mexico in 1521. Cortez, the Spanish explorer, along with his followers, introduced many new foods into the Mexican culture. Pigs, cows and sheep as well as herbs, dairy products and various spices such as garlic had never graced a Mexican table until that time.
Although Cortez brought new foods to Mexico, Mexico also showed him a thing or two. He encountered a few new food items as well. He was introduced to peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, beans, avocados, coconuts, corn, squash, and tomatoes. It was a great effort of give and take and these foods have all worked together over then centuries to produce wonderful Mexican dishes.
Mexican food history is an interesting mixture of cultures. Many of the Mexican foods that are so-called "traditional" are actually rooted in other cultures in addition to the Mexican culture. Take quesadillas as an example. This mainstay of Mexican families is often considered to be quintessential Mexican, but in actuality, it takes its components from other cultures. The corn tortilla, the foundation for the quesadilla, is actually a Native American creation.
The cheese, pork, beef, and lettuce that grace so many of our favorite Mexican dishes, including the quesadilla, are Spanish. The hot sauce that is made from chili pepper, though, is indigenous to Mexico. However, it is a little known Mexican food history fact that many of the spices thought to be Mexican are actually Spanish in origin. Black pepper, cinnamon, coriander and oregano are several spices that are often used in Mexican cooking but are not native to the country.
In addition to the Mayans, Native Americans and Spanish influencing Mexican food, the French also left their mark. When Mexico was briefly under French occupation in the 1860's, popular dishes such as chiles en nogado, a dish of stuffed chilies in walnut sauce, was a result. These dishes sport a distinct French flair, but have become a standard part of Mexican culture.
While Spain and France have had strong influences in Mexican food history, perhaps one of the most popular has been the influence from the Southwest United States. Texas, to be exact. This interesting style of Mexican food, "Tex-Mex" is served in many restaurants the world over and is considered "Mexican food" although this is not necessarily the case. It is an often spicy, delicious blend of both cultures and has become widely accepted the world over.
Mexican food history is rich and varied. With so many interesting cultural influences throughout time, it seems that Mexico has been more of a culinary melting pot. What have resulted, however, are delicious foods, rich in flavor that has soared in popularity. It does not seem to be slowing anytime soon. - 15634
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Mexican food recipes loved by one and all. Discover why everyone is discovering the joys of authentic Mexican recipes and find out just how simple they can be to make for your family.
