Mexican Food

Mexican Food

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Traditional corn taco

          Mexico is a country located in central America. Mexico is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east. It has quite a mild temperature, apart from the south where it is quite hot and humid. There is generally only a small amount of rain throughout the country, except for the tropical parts.
          Corn is a staple food in Mexico. This is because corn requires a hot climate and rich soil. This is an example of how climate can affect the food eaten in a country. There are a huge range of different types of corn. Agriculture is strong in Mexico and many people grow corn.

          The chili pepper is also a huge part of Mexican cuisine and culture. Many of the traditional Mexican dishes are very spicy. Chili peppers are not just used for their heat, but also for their wide variety of flavours, that range from subtle to strong.

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 The chili pepper

          Food is a huge part of everyday life in Mexican culture and day-to-day life. According to tradition, the time for girls to marry is when they have learnt how to cook properly. This is so that each girl will be able to cook and provide for her future family. Mexican food is also an important part of festivals. For example, for the Day of the Dead festival, food is placed on the altars as it is considered that the dead can taste the food. Many other festivals have huge meals to feed hundreds, and therefore the cuisine has a social aspect in that it draws the community together.

          History strongly affects the food that Mexicans eat today. Spanish conquistadors brought over foods such as meat and cheese- before this the Mexican diet consisted of very little meat (besides turkey), and had never used dairy products.

          Nowadays, cheese-making is a critical component of the country's economy. Because Mexico mainly grow and produce their own food, money is made and jobs are created, 

which has a positive effect on the country's standard of living.

          There is huge health inequality in Mexico. This is affected by the fact that rich people have more money to pay for more expensive yet healthier and hygienic food, while poor people end up eating cheaper food of worse quality.