By admin on March 22, 2024
Mexican food is delicious in part because of the seasonings used in their creation. The seasonings that go into Mexican food have been used for thousands of years, well beyond the modern era of shredded lettuce and ground beef tacos.
Long before Mexican cuisine became a global phenomenon, Mexican flavors were being perfected in Mexico itself, as well as migrating in from South America. The resulting spice blends are often local, but sometimes a seasoning we think of as authentic is actually a new popular trend.
Let’s take a look at 5 of the wonderful seasonings that go into our favorite Mexican flavors.
Cacao is the key ingredient in chocolate, and a fan favorite for good reason. Did you know that it’s also a seasoning used regularly in Mexican cuisine? On top of making sweet treats, cacao is also used in Mole sauces, and also sometimes goes into taco seasonings.
Although it’s hard to think of cacao without thinking of a candy, unsweetened cacao adds depth of flavor and goes well with many different dishes.
Cumin may well be the youngest spice added to Mexican cuisine. Although it is very common today, it was actually added to Mexican cuisine in modern times, as a way for San Antonio to set its Mexican cuisine apart from other cuisine.
Their choice was a hit, and now Cumin is commonly added to many different types of Mexican cuisine.
Coriander comes from the seeds of the cilantro plant, but unlike its vibrant leaves, it has a much gentler flavor. Since some people have an aversion to Cilantro, Coriander can be a great way to add the same fresh flavor without making it taste too intense.
When ever anyone thinks of Mexican food, the classic dried chili pepper is the seasoning of choice. Chili peppers are native to Mexico and South America, and there are dozens of different varieties. Chili peppers can be ancho chillis, or a number of other different kinds, dried and ground up into a fine powder.
There’s some disagreement on the history of chili powder, and where it originally comes from. Much credit is given to William Gebhardt who first sold it bottled in 1896, but chili was used for centuries before him.
Cinnamon is something we often think of as a spice for sweet treats, but it’s also a common spice for savory dishes in Mexico. Cinnamon adds a woodsy flavor to soups and stews and paired with vegetables like carrots and onions.
Cinnamon is also used in sweeter items too, such as in spiced hot chocolate or in Horchatas.
Spices are an important part of Mexican cuisine. Try and imagine your favorite Mexican dish without any spices added! The right seasoning brings added flair to a good Mexican dish. The next time you sit down at your favorite Mexican resteraunt, take a moment to appreciate all those rich and beautiful seasonings. They are what add the flair to Mexican cuisine, and a big part of what makes it taste so great.
