Mexican food is well loved all over the globe. There is plenty of variety when it comes to Mexican food and you can find combinations you have never tried before. A lot of people delight in the smell, taste of authentic Mexican recipes, and admire the great Mexican minds responsible for these tantalizing combinations.
A lot of the Mexican food available to day is based on traditional Mexican recipes, which the Aztecs and Mayas invented. There are also some exotic recipes featuring iguana, rattlesnake, and spider monkeys, which are not unheard of ingredients but are seldom used in modern Mexican cuisine. We have plenty more ingredients from all over the world to use in our recipes these days and Mexican food has evolved as a result of that.
In addition, the Mexican foods evolved when the Spanish colonists arrived. One ingredient that has not changed is the chili pepper. You may also find a bit of Caribbean influence in some Mexican dishes, especially in the Mexican states of Vera Cruz and the Yucatan. French influence can also be found in some Mexican dishes, one being bolillo. That is a popular bread in Mexico that has a hint of French cuisine.
Mexican foods provide many health benefits if they are prepared correctly. There is, however, a lot of difference between traditional Mexican recipes and the modern equivalents. Taco Bell does not use authentic Mexican recipes. America has altered these traditional recipes and added fats to make them appeal to the American palate and preservatives to keep them fresh for longer. This obviously has an impact on the health benefits. Traditional Mexican dishes are rich in fresh ingredients such as garlic, onion, tomatoes, and peppers, which are all very good for you.
Mexican food differs by region, depending on each area's geographical layout and climate, as well as ethnic variations. Popular southern Mexican food includes plenty of vegetables and chicken whereas northern Mexican food features a lot of meat. In the Mexican state of Vera Cruz, a lot of their traditional Mexican recipes contain seafood. This state is tropical and long with lowlands running up and down the Gulf of Mexico, meaning that fish such as snook, red snapper, grouper, and mojarra are readily available. Mojarra is especially prized in this region. Oysters, crab, and lobsters are also abundant.
As well as the sea, this state has over forty rivers running through it, so there is an endless supply of shellfish and freshwater fish to use in their Mexican food recipes. Seafood is very nutritious, low in fat and carbohydrates and makes an interesting change when used in authentic Mexican recipes.
It is possible to learn plenty of history about Mexican food by the different regions of the country and it is always exciting to try traditional Mexican recipes from various Mexican regions. The history of Mexican food is rich and interesting and when you know where the dishes originated and how they developed, this will add to your overall cooking and eating experience!
No doubt, about it, Mexican food is one of the most popular foods in the United States. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are just some of the fare that grace many an American table. Mexican recipes are spicy, colorful, and full of flavor. However, what may seem to be quintessential Mexican is not always the case. A little Mexican food history will reveal that things are not always, as they seem. Case in point: when the Spanish invaded Mexico in 1521, they brought with them many new varieties of livestock including pigs, cows and sheep, the likes of which Mexico had never seen. The Spanish explorer Cortez introduced Mexico to these and other foods such as dairy products, garlic and other spices as well as dairy products like cheese. Mexican food also has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture. On the flip side, the Mexicans also introduced new food to Cortez. He had never had chocolate, vanilla, peanuts, beans, coconuts, avocados, squash, tomatoes, and corn. So for all that, Cortez brought with him and introduced into the Mexican culture, he also took away as much, balancing the trade of regional foods. According to Mexican food history, many of the traditional Mexican foods have roots in other cultures as well as the Mexican culture. For instance, quesadillas, a mainstay in Mexico and considered to be authentic Mexican food actually not only have roots in Mexican traditions, but in Spanish as well. The corn tortilla, thought to be quintessential Mexican, is actually native American. Now, consider the lettuce, pork, beef, and cheese that are sitting on that quesadilla. Mexican? Nope. These items are actually Spanish foods. The world famous hot sauce made from chili peppers, however, is truly Mexican. Another tasty little tidbit of Mexican food history is that many of the spices that are traditionally considered to be Mexican actually hail from Spain. Cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano are all popular spices used in Mexican cooking, but they actually come from Spain. The French are yet another chapter in Mexican food history. Under a brief French occupation in the 1860's, Mexico was introduced to other new foods and cooking methods. This resulted in popular dishes like stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce, known as chiles en nogado. These dishes, French inspired with a strong Mexican flair, have made their way through the various cultures to meld together and create dishes that the world can enjoy. 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.
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