Mexican Cuisine: A Comprehensive Overview
Mexican Cuisine: A Comprehensive Overview Geographic Location and Regional Diversity Mexico's cuisine is deeply shaped by its dramatic geography, spanning from the Sonoran Desert in the north to the tropical rainforests of Chiapas in the south. The country sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with a vast central highland plateau and coastal lowlands that create distinct culinary regions. Northern Mexico The arid northern states—Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León—developed a cuisine centered around ranching culture. The harsh desert climate limited agriculture, leading to a meat-heavy diet featuring beef, goat, and game. This region is known for flour tortillas rather than corn, reflecting proximity to the United States and wheat cultivation. The cuisine is simpler and less spice-driven than southern regions, with grilled meats like carne asada and dried beef (machaca) taking center stage. Central Mexico The heartland, including Mexico City, ...