Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mexican Food History

Mexican food has enjoyed great popularity in America for years. From burritos to enchiladas, Mexican recipes are the pride of many an American cook and the colorful, spicy, delicious dishes grace many a table. Nevertheless, what is the story behind the cuisine? A little Mexican food history can spice up your kitchen and shed some light on the roots of many or our favorite dishes.

While it is believed that Mexican food has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture, it was the Spanish invasion of Mexico in 1521 that most strongly influenced the dishes. The Spanish explorer Cortez and his followers brought with them new types of livestock like pigs, cows, and sheep. They also brought dairy products and various herbs and spices like garlic.

While Cortez introduced many new foods to Mexico, he was also, in turn, introduced to some new foods. Peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, beans, avocados, coconuts, tomatoes, corn, and squash were among the "new" foods that Cortez encountered. It was a well-balanced trade of regional delicacies and palate pleasing 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.

The cheese, pork, beef, and lettuce that grace so many of our favorite Mexican dishes, including the quesadilla, are Spanish. The hot sauce that is made from chili pepper, though, is indigenous to Mexico. However, it is a little known Mexican food history fact that many of the spices thought to be Mexican are actually Spanish in origin. Black pepper, cinnamon, coriander and oregano are several spices that are often used in Mexican cooking but are not native to the country.

Other cultural influences left their mark on Mexican food. The French dabbled in Mexican occupation briefly in the 1860's. This resulted in such popular dishes as chili en nogado, which is a dish of stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce. Such French inspired dishes with a Mexican flair have withstood the test of time and become ingrained in the Mexican culture, ultimately finding their way onto American plates.

One of the most popular adaptations of Mexican food and an integral part of Mexican food history is the influence from the Southwest United States, namely southern Texas. This style of Mexican food, dubbed "Tex-Mex" has become a favorite of people all over the world. North meets south in this cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In many restaurants today, it is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican food that is being served.

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.

Mexican food recipes are easier than you might think find out just how simple it is to make your favorite traditional Mexican food recipes at home in your own kitchen by visiting our site dedicated to authentic Mexican food.

For more interesting Mexican food history check out our site "Mexican Food Recipes" for more interesting facts plus some great tasting traditional Mexican food.

KC is a writer and a short order cook for six all boys except Mom. He loves cooking and loves writing about food and many other subjects. He has had a love for all things food but a special place is reserved for those special Mexican dishes.