Discover Authentic Delights of Mexican Cuisine

Golden-brown pancakes topped with a vibrant tomato-chili sauce, with a single pumpkin flower on top.

Recipes

How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Flower Pancakes at Home

Discover the flavors and benefits of pumpkin flowers in traditional Mexican cuisine. Learn how to make delicious pumpkin flower pancakes, a simple dish rich in history and nutrients.

Cuisine

October Seasonal Produce in Mexico

In Mexico, October brings a variety of seasonal products that are fresher, more affordable, and support local producers. Key vegetables include celery, zucchini, pumpkin, and spinach, while fruits such as tangerine, fig, guava, and avocado are also in season.

A stack of vanilla pods being dried in the sun, with a traditional Mexican village in the background.

Biodiversity

How the World's Favorite Flavor Became So Expensive

Vanilla, once a rare and exotic treat, has become a ubiquitous flavor. Despite its widespread use, the cultivation and processing of vanilla remain labor-intensive and expensive.

A cartoon illustration of a priest and a nun arguing over a cup of chocolate.

History

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Chocolate

Chocolate, once revered as a medicinal elixir in Mesoamerica, gained popularity in Europe as a luxury drink. Initially seen as a remedy for various ailments, its reputation shifted towards indulgence and status.

A close-up of a chocolate bar with various textures and flavors.

History

How a Bitter Bean Became a Sweet Sensation

The Spanish conquistadors discovered cocoa in the Americas and introduced it to Europe. They experimented with the bean, incorporating European ingredients to create chocolate.

A humorous illustration of an Aztec warrior drinking cocoa while performing a ritual.

History

The Price of Blood and Heart (The Ancient Origins of Cocoa)

The cocoa bean, a sacred commodity in Mesoamerica, was prized for its nutritional value, ritual significance, and economic importance. The bean was used as currency, a symbol of status, and a central element in religious ceremonies.

A person drinking a cup of chocolate in a colonial Spanish setting.

History

The Chocolate Craze of Colonial Mexico

Chocolate was a staple drink in New Spain, consumed by all social classes. It was prepared in various ways and served at different times of the day. The Spanish and indigenous populations alike embraced chocolate, despite some religious objections.

A person holding a skewer of roasted insects, with a surprised expression on their face.

Cuisine

The Secret Ingredient of Aztec Cuisine? Insect Buffet

The Aztecs, a highly advanced civilization, incorporated a variety of insects into their diet. The Aztecs' culinary traditions, which included preparing insects in various ways, have survived through centuries and continue to influence modern Mexican cuisine.

A colorful array of Mexican fresh waters in traditional glass jars.

Cuisine

The Ingredients Behind Mexican Aguas Frescas

Key ingredients like lemon, rice, and hibiscus for Mexico's aguas frescas, a staple of the nation’s culture. These refreshing drinks, rich in tradition and nutrients, are a perfect companion for patriotic celebrations and classic Mexican dishes.

A colorful array of Mexican fruits and vegetables, including guava, pear, peach, and chard.

Recipes

A Celebration of Recipes with the Flavor of September

September in Mexico is a culinary paradise. Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce like guava, pear, peach, orange, chard, avocado, mojarra, octopus, corn, and quince. Discover delicious recipes for salads, tacos, ceviche, atole, and desserts.

A close-up of a píibil kaax dish, showing the layers of corn dough, chicken, and banana leaves.

Cuisine

A Taste of the Mayan Underworld: Píibil Kaax

Píibil kaax is a traditional Mayan-Yucatecan dish made with corn dough, pork fat, chicken, and spices. It's cooked underground in banana leaves, imparting a smoky flavor. The dish is considered a delicacy and is often served at special occasions.

A close-up of a person taking a sip of Mayan chocolate, with a look of pure bliss on their face.

Cuisine

The Ancient Art of Mayan Chocolate and Xtabentún

This ancient Mayan dessert features cacao roasted and ground by hand, then mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and honey. The accompanying Xtabentún liqueur, made from honey, anise, and cane liqueur, adds a unique flavor.

A bowl of traditional Mexican soup with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Cuisine

The Language of Food and Culture in Tének

A linguist studies the Tének language through its culinary vocabulary. The research reveals deep connections between language, culture, and food. By analyzing recipes and food-related terms, the study aims to understand the Tének worldview and preserve their endangered linguistic heritage.

A hand holding a spatula over a stainless steel pan. The pan contains green fiddleheads being cooked in butter.

Cuisine

The Delights of Cooking with Fiddlehead Fern

Fiddlehead ferns, spring's fleeting treasure, are enjoyed for their asparagus-like taste and delightful crunch. Found in forests or shops, these tightly coiled fronds demand gentle treatment (blanch and sauté).

A hand pouring melted butter from a jug into a mixing bowl.

Cuisine

The Science of the Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookie

Three types of fat and melted butter create the perfect chewy sugar cookie. Science explains the crackly tops and why some cookies are just crumbly disasters.

Photo of a baker's hand holding a strawberry and dipping it into a bowl of melted chocolate.

Cuisine

Your Essential Guide to Baking with Chocolate

Calling all chocoholics! Learn to bake with chocolate. Discover the difference between bittersweet and milk chocolate, explore the magic of cocoa and store your chocolate right to avoid the dreaded "bloom."