The biodiversity of Mexico in the kitchen

The great diversity that exists in the country, the multiple cultures and its history are elements that are embedded in every eaten dish.

By Google Arts & Culture

Illustration by HIDROCK (Diego Santamaría)

Cultural and diverse: A look through Mexico's traditional kitchen (2021) by HIDROCK (Diego Santamaría)

Greatness in diversity

Mexico has 15 ecosystems with 5,375 registered species of which 2,168 are consumable. It is also considered the nation that eats the most diversity of insects with 549 edible species.

"We are sons of Corn"

Corn is the most important ingredient in Mexican cuisine. It is fundamental in all the gastronomies of the country; from tortillas to sopes, corn is everywhere.

Different materials, different flavors

A Mexican kitchen is not a kitchen if it does not have cookware such as comales and clay pots, even a barbecue pit or a steamer. They all add a special and unique flavor to every dish.

Of chile, mole and salsa

Mexican food is the sum of regional gastronomies and it is by region that it must be understood. From chili peppers, corn, beans to chilaquiles, tacos to tamales, each place has unique dishes.

Smoky flavors

This anafre is highly recognizable since most people, including traditional cooks, use it instead of a stove.
The North of Mexico uses coal to cook several dishes. For example, carne asada or cabrito is one of the most popular dishes. 

Naturally grown

Mexico has a rich variety of fruits and vegetables cultivated in many regions. 

Mexican food through time

Today's Mexican gastronomy is the result of the evolution of three historical periods: pre-Hispanic food (1000-1500 AD), colonial food (1500-1900 AD) and contemporary food (1900-present). 

Colonial legacy

The Mexican gastronomic culture is the heir to complex and centuries-old cultural processes. Banquets during the viceroyalty era were the ideal spaces for families to use and expose amazing pieces of silverware.

Mexico, parties and traditions

Diversity is not only natural, there is a historical and cultural process behind each regional gastronomy. Parties evoke dishes that are represented in many ways through colors, confetti, flags, skulls. Everything has its history and meaning.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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