{"id":6145,"date":"2023-08-02T14:51:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T19:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?p=6145"},"modified":"2023-08-02T14:56:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T19:56:36","slug":"regional-roots-global-appeal-favorites-from-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/en-CA\/viewpoints\/regional-roots-global-appeal-favorites-from-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Regional Roots, Global Appeal: A Closer Look at the Origins of Consumers\u2019 Favorites from Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Birraquesdilla<\/figure>

Around the world, more and more consumers seek authentic cuisine, and food from Mexico is a quintessential example. Authentic Mexican dishes are often tied to particular regions of the country, influenced by unique blends of geography, agriculture, and history.<\/p>

Let\u2019s explore the roots of some nuanced flavors of Mexican cuisine that have grown from regional tradition to having global influence among today\u2019s consumers.<\/p>

Oh, the Things You Can Do with this North Pacific Coast-inspired Stew<\/h2>

Birria, birria, birria! This popular, slow-roasted dish has made a prominent name for itself beyond its origin. Traditionally associated with the state of Jalisco, the seasoned, stewed, and shredded meat has been making its way to mainstream.<\/p>

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Birria has grown more than 123% <\/strong>on US menus over the past four years.<\/p>

(Source: Datassential Menutrends)<\/em><\/p> <\/div>

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From ready-to-heat items on retail shelves to slow-cooked protein options on QSR menus,<\/strong> consumers continue to find new ways to indulge in birria\u2019s indigenous flavors. Venture further north and you\u2019ll find the origin of an innovative twist on the traditional concept: the QuesaBirria<\/a>. Created in Tijuana, the crispy, cheesy quesadilla-taco mashup has gained popularity across the internet and foodservice menus.<\/p>

From the South Pacific Coast and Central Mexico<\/h2>

It\u2019s no surprise that popular elements of Mexican cuisine stem from Oaxacan origin. Rich in culture and unique flavor combinations, this region is often known for its gastronomy. Pairing the region\u2019s namesake cheese, Oaxaca cheese, with more elevated dishes has been a sensation in online conversation. The melty, white cheese is noted for its similarities to mozzarella and seen complementing foods like wagyu taquitos, stuffed pork loin, frittatas, and even as a substitute for feta on salads<\/strong>. Experimenting with contrasting textures is a great way to enhance harmonious blends of savory, spicy, and acidic flavors.<\/p>

Looking for a one-step solution for adding a touch of authenticity to a dish?<\/strong> Highlighting regional flavors in sauces and seasonings like mole is an excellent and approachable vehicle.<\/p>

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Chili sauce is the 3rd most used<\/strong> condiment in Mexico, with consumers adding it to their foods daily.<\/p>

(Source: GlobalData Menu Intelligence, Chili Sauce, Mexico 2022<\/em>)<\/p> <\/div>

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From Coast to Coast: Plenty of Chilis to Choose From<\/h2>

Whether it\u2019s a sauce, a snack, or seafood, there’s a chili pepper for it. The wide assortment of chilis native to Mexican cuisine offers an excellent avenue for accommodating various levels of spice tolerances. In the US, most consumers prefer their food to be \u201cmedium-spicy.\u201d Similarly, consumers in Canada can be considered \u201cmid-spicy-level adventures.\u201d<\/strong> This makes flavors derived from jalapenos, originally from and named for the capital of Veracruz (Xalapa), a nice fit.<\/p>