The Evolution of Authentic Mexican Food

Mexican food is well loved all over the globe. There is plenty of variety when it comes to Mexican food and you can find combinations you have never tried before. A lot of people delight in the smell, taste of authentic Mexican recipes, and admire the great Mexican minds responsible for these tantalizing combinations.

Many of the Mexican foods of today are based from long ago when the Aztecs and Mayas first created them. Some dishes that are exotic and eaten long ago include iguana, spider monkeys, and rattlesnakes. It is not eaten most of the time in this century, but it is also not unheard of.

In addition, the Mexican foods evolved when the Spanish colonists arrived. One ingredient that has not changed is the chili pepper. You may also find a bit of Caribbean influence in some Mexican dishes, especially in the Mexican states of Vera Cruz and the Yucatan. French influence can also be found in some Mexican dishes, one being bolillo. That is a popular bread in Mexico that has a hint of French cuisine.

There are many health benefits when it comes to Mexican foods. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, with low fat and calories. You are not eating authentic Mexican food if you eat at Taco Bell. America has added many fats to the foods, which does not contain all the nutrients you would eat if you ate in Mexico. Mexican dishes contain many fresh ingredients that you may not be able to find in other types of cuisine. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and others are very healthy for your body.

Mexican food differs by region, depending on each area's geographical layout and climate, as well as ethnic variations. Popular southern Mexican food includes plenty of vegetables and chicken whereas northern Mexican food features a lot of meat. In the Mexican state of Vera Cruz, a lot of their traditional Mexican recipes contain seafood. This state is tropical and long with lowlands running up and down the Gulf of Mexico, meaning that fish such as snook, red snapper, grouper, and mojarra are readily available. Mojarra is especially prized in this region. Oysters, crab, and lobsters are also abundant.

As well as the sea, this state has over forty rivers running through it, so there is an endless supply of shellfish and freshwater fish to use in their Mexican food recipes. Seafood is very nutritious, low in fat and carbohydrates and makes an interesting change when used in authentic Mexican recipes.

It is fascinating to realize that Mexican food differs all over Mexico and it is great fun to try new flavor combinations. With such a colorful history, Mexican food will always be popular and the number of Mexican restaurants springing up all over the world is a testament to that. The more you know about the history of Mexican food, the more interesting it will be to cook and taste a variety of Mexican food recipes.