Mexico: FOOD!

Mexican food is often misunderstood as North Americans have altered the Mexican style to reflect its own tastes. This Americanized style of Mexican food is known as Tex-Mex or sometimes Cal-Mex. Authentic Mexican food reflects the Spanish and Middle Eastern influences from its cultural history.

Food from Mexico is known for its varied flavors, colors and spices and ingredients. Corn is the traditional grain and very important in Mexican food and culture. Today, rice has become equally important.

When the Aztecs ruled Mexico, their diet consisted of corn-based dishes with chilies and herbs usually complimented with beans and tomatoes. They used whatever ingredients were available to them and mixed them together to create popular dishes still eaten in Mexico. Along with the Aztecs, the Mayans style included exotic dishes containing ingredients ranging from iguana to rattlesnakes, deer, spider monkeys, grasshoppers, ant eggs and other insects. The most traditionally used ingredients included vanilla, chocolate, peanuts, avocado, fish, beans and turkey. Chocolate originates from the Aztecs where it was first drunk rather than eaten. We know this drink as hot chocolate!

When the Spanish and other conquistadors of Mexico ruled, they introduced beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions. Many of these ingredients are found in popular, authentic Mexican dishes today.

Food by regions:

Northern Mexico- known for its beef, goat and ostrich.
Central Mexico- largely made up of influences from the rest of the country such as barbacoa, pazole, menudos and carnitas.
Southeastern Mexico- known for its spicy vegetable and chicken-based dishes. The dishes are also known to have a lot of Caribbean influence.

*Seafood is commonly prepared in the states that border the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.

You might be surprised to hear that foods such as nachos, chimichangas and quesadillas are not authentic Mexican dishes as they are considered Tex-Mex and have originated in the United States. Popular Mexican dishes that claim fame in Mexico and the U.S. are enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tortillas and salsas. Additionally, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) is another Mexican favorite. Mexican dishes are low in fat and calories and considered to be high in vitamins and minerals because of all the vegetables.

See Rossana make arroz con pollo in the video below.



Modern Day

If you are a little weary of only eating Mexican food when you are in Mexico, have no fear! Mexico doesn’t solely consist of Mexican food as other cuisines of the world have become very popular and even adopted Mexico fusions. For example: sushi. Mexicans have made sushi their own creation by adding a variety of sauces based on mango and tamarind and usually served with a Serrano-chili blended soy sauce using hot spices.

Please remember to be careful while enjoying the various flavors and cuisines Mexico has to offer. It might be a good idea to start slow before diving into all the eclectic foods Mexicans are accustomed to eating. Always drink bottled water that has an un-cracked seal. Also, if you can't peel it yourself, don't eat it. Try to stick to that rule when eating fruits. Additionally, make sure your foods are thoroughly cooked and hot before eating.

Keep in mind Passport Health is a great resource to purchase a water filtration kit and diarrhea kits to help ease the tummy troubles.

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