Benito Juárez's meal two days before his death.
A manuscript with the handwriting of President Juárez reveals the food he consumed two days before his death.
The figure of Don Benito Juárez García is one of the most representative in the history of Mexico. history of Mexico. His liberal political and ideological stance was crucial in the formation of the Mexican state and the consolidation of the nation. the formation of the Mexican State and the consolidation of the nation as a Republic. as a Republic. He occupied the presidential chair on two occasions, periods in which he was crucial both in the crucial in both the Reform War and the Second French Intervention, actions for which he was recognized French Intervention, actions for which he was recognized as a "Benemérito de la Americas".
Apuntes de la comida don Benito Juárez (1871) by Benito JuárezArchivo General de la Nación - México
The note says:
Wines: half a glass sherry, burgundy, pulque, noodle soup, fried eggs, rice, spicy chiltepiquín sauce, steak, beans, fruit and coffee between one and two in the afternoon. At night at nine a glass of eggnog. Small cup.
The presidential food menu combines three spirits: sherry, used to this day as an appetizer to stimulate appetite, wine and pulque.
Leyes de ReformaArchivo General de la Nación - México
From President Juárez's cooking expenses we know that his favorite bottle of wine was Bordeaux, since it was frequently bought, the war against France did not quench Juárez's taste for good French wine. Surely to accompany the roast steak with beans.
Tlaquichero chupando pulque (1902) by A. BriquetArchivo General de la Nación - México
Pulque was not a drink that the president used to drink, at least no other record appears in the kitchen expenses, however, it accompanied the last meal of “Benemérito de las Américas”. For this time the pulquerías were confined to the outskirts of the city.
Pulqueria Un Viaje al Japon by C. B. WhiteArchivo General de la Nación - México
Apuntes de la comida don Benito Juárez (1871) by Benito JuárezArchivo General de la Nación - México
Noodle soup, rice with egg and steak with beans are dishes that continue to be part of the daily gastronomy of Mexicans to this day.
The next day after enjoying this menu, Juarez fell ill in bed, having great difficulty breathing. On Wednesday, July 18, Juarez died of angina pectoris.
The figure of Don Benito Juárez García is one of the most representative in the history of Mexico.
