Corn, Beans, and Peppers Oh My!

What are the Major Staples of Mexico? 

Have you ever had a piece of chocolate, how about a coconut? If so, you have Mexico to thank. These foods, along with many others such as beans, vanilla, peanuts, and tomatoes, originated in Mexico. Traditional Mexican cooking utilizes native ingredients, like these, to produce delicious meals. The main ingredients in most recipes remain the same, with the foundation of corn, beans, and chilis.

Corn is the most common ingredient in Mexican food. The natives of Mexico learned to utilize corn in most every meal, and following tradition, the people of Mexico do the same. Corn flour, specifically, is one of the main components involved in the formation of Mexican food, and in used in foods ranging from tamales to candies.

The chili is the is another staple of the Mexican cuisine, and it’s used to add the strong hot flavor that Mexican food is known for. Chilies are not only cooked into meals, but they are also used as condiments in numerous meals, and are the main component of tabasco hot sauce.

Beans are the third and final one of the staple Mexican ingredients. Beans can be found in 70% of Mexican dishes, and are not limited to the main dish either; they are used in appetizers, snacks, and sides as well. Because beans comprise of such a large part of the Mexican diet, they are an integral part of the daily nourishment in much of Mexico. Pinto and black beans are the most popular variety of beans within Mexico, and the seasoning of beans varies with the person. Some people prefer to add salt, while others like to use onions, garlic and fresh herbs.

Although these three ingredients continue to comprise of the bulk of Mexican cooking, foreign influence has had an impact on Mexican cuisine. When the Europeans came to North America they brought with them new ingredients, which became integrated into Mexican cooking. The Spanish conquerors brought with them lamb, beef, wine, vinegar and cheese. Ingredients from South America, the Caribbean and Africa have also had a profound impact on Mexican cuisine. Today, Mexican food has become a culmination of all these influences, while still holding on to its roots.

-Hallie