Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Food from Mexico: Drinks and Chilies

By Betha Mmari

With drinks, Horchata is a drink that originates from Spain. It is very popular in Mexico. It is perfect for hot days and nuts are mainly used for this drink. They are ground and mixed with water, sugar and sometimes lemon juice. The mixture is then put through a filter process. The drink is served ice cold. It refreshes and cools down the drinker. Horchata is also popular with rice added. It can be found at Mexican restaurants in the United States along with Mexican grocery stores.

There are many more drinks that are found in Mexico. There are recipe books that can help you create new drinks. Next time you are planning a backyard fiesta, try adding some new flavor. Your guests will not be disappointed to quench their thirst with south of the border drinks.

Fruits

Fruits are grown throughout Mexico. The regions of Mexico differ, so depending on the location, the fruits will be different. Some of the fruits found in Mexico are grown on trees, others on the ground. Many have a tropical taste to them. Some of these fruits are native to other countries, but grown in Mexico.

Mexico is one of the top producers when it comes to Pineapples. Pineapples are the second most popular tropical fruit, with bananas being the first. Pineapples take 18 months to grow from a seed into a ripe fruit. The fruit has to be harvested at the right time, because it softens while it ripens and does not get any sweeter after it is picked. Pineapples carry many vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes that are a plus for the digestive system. It is healthy and tasty. Experts believe that pineapples hold micro-nutrients that can protect against cancer, and also prevent blood-clots. It is also said to be good for the heart. It is also believed that pineapple juice triggers the kidneys and helps remove the toxic elements that are in our bodies.

Mexican chilies

Chile peppers are known as being a vegetable, but they are actually a fruit. They contain high amounts of vitamins as well as iron and fiber. There are many types of flavors available. Since regions in Mexico vary, so does the chile peppers and food dishes. Chile peppers come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. They also come in different amounts of hotness. A good way to tell the strength of the heat is by the size of the chile pepper. The smaller the pepper, the more it will pack a punch of heat.

You will be able to find many recipes which include chile peppers. Remember that when handling and cutting the peppers, use gloves because the heat of the pepper can bother your skin and throat. Also try all you can to not rub your eyes. Enjoy experimenting with different Mexican cuisine and have fun while doing it! - 15359

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