Think you know Mexican food? Think again. Despite the widespread popularity of this cultural cuisine across North America, much of what makes it stand out has been watered down and filtered through mainstream methods. Boasting hundreds of years of refinement and development, Mexican food is one of the most popular choices for millions of people across the globe. It’s delicious, varied and, best of all, incredibly healthy. What are the most common signs you have never had real Mexican food? Let’s take a look and get you started on the path to enlightenment.
History Of Mexican Cuisine
It’s not enough to simply know what and where you like to eat. It’s important to acknowledge and respect the vast history behind the world’s most popular cuisine. It’s widely believed by most scholars that Mexican cuisine was derived from what the Mayan Indians prepared over 2,000 years ago. Fast forward to the late 1800’s — the term ‘enchilada’ was first referenced in the United States at around this time, yet the concept of using tortillas in a wrap can be linked all the way back to the Aztecs. The word ‘enchilada’ means ‘in Chile’ and is just one of many incredible Mexican dietary staples.
Mexican Restaurants Across The United States
The United States’ geographical proximity to Mexico has seen notable influence in its food culture. It’s hard not to find at least a few Mexican restaurants and food trucks at any given American city or town! The year 2011 saw an impressive total of 38,000 Mexican restaurants peppered all across the American landscape, with even restaurants revolving around entirely different cultures having Mexican influence or side menus. Studies have shown one out of every 10 restaurants in the country sells Mexican food, making it the most popular cultural cuisine even beyond Italian, Chinese and Japanese.
Most Commonly Used Ingredients And Techniques
The most obvious signs you have never had real Mexican food are all in the technique. Mexican food is characterized by its incredible spices and varied food groups, far beyond a basic beef taco or cheese quesadilla. Mexico is in the top four ‘megabiodiverse’ countries around the world, with anywhere from 60% to 70% of the well-known diversity of the planet located in Mexico’s environment alone. As you can imagine, this influences the cultural cuisine significantly. Beans, rice and corn are common staples followed by tomatoes, peppers, avocados, cheese, onions and various meats like chicken and pork.
Deliciously Healthy And Deliciously Tasty
Another reason so many turn to Mexican food are the notable health benefits. Due to Mexican food regularly accessing the major food groups — grains, meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy — it’s easy to get a full day’s worth of nutrients in just a meal or two. Salsa has become the most widely used condiment around the nation, surpassing even ketchup and mayo, and can be used in burritos, tacos or as dip for parties. Tex-Mex, a term that arose in the 1940’s, is a popular example of the marriage between Mexican cuisine and Texan classics.
Top Signs You Have Never Had Real Mexican Food
Now for a refresher. The top signs you have never had real Mexican food can be pinpointed on the freshness of the ingredients in the enchilada you’ve ordered or the spiciness of your plate. It can be narrowed down on just how familiar you are with the complexity of hundreds of dishes and whether or not you know the difference between the moles (or sauces) of Oaxaca. At the end of the day, Mexican cuisine didn’t climb to the top of the pyramid on chance alone. Its incredible biodiversity, fast preparation and delicious end results are iconic staples of the United States and don’t plan on being toppled any time soon. If you’re ready to truly transform your cultural experience, it’s time to go off the beaten path and seek out the best Mexican food.