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!