Mexican Food History
The Conquest of Mexico in 1521 gave rise to one of the riches culinary
revolutions in history. When the Spanish explorer Cortez and his
followers came to the new world in search of fortune, they found a
wealth of foods such as beans, avocados, corn, and tomatoes. In turn
the Spanish brought to the Americas products such as pork, beef,
garlic, cheese, milk, wheat, vinegar, and wine. The primary element of
almost all Mexican cuisine is the grill. It is used to cook almost any
type of meat, poultry, wild game or vegetables. The Mexican grill
actually evolved from cooking food on stick. Eventually rocks were
aaded to a fire as a grilling surface. The Spaniards brough steel to
Mexico and grilling was forever solidified as a key part of Mexican
cooking. Virtually every recipe in Mexican cuisine is accompanied by a
type of corn tortilla. Traditionally, this "Bread of Mexico" was used as a
plate, fork or spoon. Tortillas can be eaten plain or with butter,
beans, or meat, chili, or sauces almost any kind of food that is not
too liquid can be placed on a tortilla.