• History -> History of the Americas

• 0 Comment

What distinguishes Mexican cuisine from other Latin American cuisines?

Karson Tomasello

Mexican cuisine stands out from other Latin American cuisines because it has special flavors and ingredients that are unique to Mexico. The Mexican people have a very long history that they can trace to the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations and this history has influenced the food in many ways.

Mexican cuisine features a lot of spices, chilies, and herbs that give it a distinctive flavor. One of the most popular herbs used in Mexican cooking is cilantro. Mexicans also love their avocados, which are used to make guacamole. Additionally, some of the most commonly used spices in Mexican cuisine include cumin, oregano, and cinnamon.

Another way that Mexican cuisine stands out is through the different types of dishes that are served. Tacos are a popular dish that are filled with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Another popular dish is burritos, which are large flour tortillas that are filled with beans, rice, and meat. Enchiladas are also a common dish, these are corn tortillas that are filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese.

In addition to the spices and the types of dishes, Mexican cuisine is also known for its wide variety of sauces. Salsa is a very popular sauce in Mexican cuisine and it comes in many varieties, such as spicy, mild, chunky, or smooth. Another popular sauce is mole, which is a dark sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices.

Finally, Mexican cuisine has a lot of influence from European cuisine, particularly from Spain. This is because Mexico was colonized by Spain for 300 years, and during that time, Spanish ingredients and cooking techniques were introduced into the Mexican diet. One example of this influence is found in the sweet desserts that Mexicans enjoy, such as flan, which is a creamy custard dish that originates from Spain.

In conclusion, Mexican cuisine stands out from other Latin American cuisines because of its unique combination of spices, sauces, dishes, and ingredients. Its long history and the influence of other cultures have resulted in a range of flavors, which makes Mexican food one of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world.