Feasting on Mexican Food

If you love food, then you have come to the right place as Mexico has one of the most mouthwatering cuisines in the world! With its fresh ingredients, tantalizing aromas and colorful presentation, Mexican food is sure to please every member of your family.
For generations, Mexicans have used mealtimes to celebrate family and their food has reflected these sentiments. According to Wikipedia.org, “The cuisines of Mexico have evolved through the centuries through a blending of indigenous and European elements since the 16th century.”
Flipping through the pages of pre-Columbian history, one quickly learns that corn was a staple ingredient. Corn-based dishes seasoned with chilies and herbs were often served. Beans and tomatoes were known to compliment the meals along with other ingredients such as vanilla, avocado, guava, papaya, pineapple, peanuts, agave, chili peppers, sunflower seeds, turkey and of course, fish and seafood.
Mexican families did not have the convenience of ordering from a menu so they would lovingly cook their meals over an open fire using ceramic pots or cast iron skillets. Sometimes, they would steam or fry their food for variety.
When the conquistadores invaded Mexico in the 1520s, they brought with them goats, pigs, sheep and chickens. They also introduced new types of nuts and grains such as almonds, rice, wheat and barley. Many new fruits and vegetables made the journey including oranges, apples, grapes, lettuce and potatoes. And you can’t forget about the wine, olive oil, black pepper and other unique spices!
By fusing these new ingredients with those of the indigenous variety, Mexican cuisine began to develop into what we enjoy today. When visiting a Mexican home or restaurant in modern times, you will find many of the same staples used by past generations incorporated with unique herbs and spices (cilantro, cinnamon, cocoa, oregano and chilli powder) as well as Mexican cheese.
The process of making cheese became popular here in Mexico during colonel times. Each region developed its specialty and many of these can be found in markets today. If you are a cheese connoisseur, you can sample up to 40 varieties. Some are made in homes and on small farms while others are mass-produced and sold across the country. Oaxaca and panela are two of the most popular cheeses.
From tacos to enchiladas and from tortilla soup to tamales, there is something for every palette. Just be sure to indicate if you like your food to be mild or extra spicy!
While you’re enjoying your meal, don’t forget the beverages for adults and children. Tequila is an alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant. By law, it can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and certain surrounding regions. That is why it is such a treat to visit one of the many tequila factories around Puerto Vallarta.
And you can’t go wrong with a cold cerveza! Mexican beer, while originally made from fermented corn, took on a whole flavor when barley was introduced by Hernan Cortes. With the arrival of German and Austrian immigrants in the 19th century, breweries were introduced and the rest is history.
Consumption of beer in Mexico is a thriving industry with Grupo Modelo and FEMSA claiming 90% of the country’s market. Exportation of beer to over 150 countries is a major business for Mexico.
If beer isn’t “your cup of tea”, then try a refreshing glass of limonada, fruit-flavored water or horchata which is made in a variety of ways using rice, milk, vanilla or cinnamon. These will certainly compliment your dining experience and your children will love the refreshing flavors.
After a hearty Mexican meal, what could be more satisfying than flan or chocolate? Flan is a sweet custard dessert with caramel and chocolate, well, we all know what that deliciously decadent substance is!
Interestingly enough, chocolate has played an important role in the history of Mexican cuisine. The word ‘chocolate’ originates in Aztec cuisine as something that was served as a drink called xocolatl. In fact, it was such a commodity that the cocoa beans were used as currency for trading goods as well as a vital part of their religious rituals. Chocolate found its way around the world and certainly in recipes for mole, chamurrados and traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
There are so many wonderful things to do while you are here in Mexico and stopping in for a tasty meal of traditional Mexican flavors is a “must do”. Make the most of your experience by ordering a al carte and sharing the entrees and desserts. Your children will delight in the flavors and what better place to try them than in one of the many taco stands and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Buen provecho, bon appétit and enjoy your meal!