Tracing Tacos – A Journey Through Time

Chicken Tacos

Nov 25, 2020 by admin

Share:

When thinking about famous foods from around the world, some key dishes come to mind. We’re willing to bet Mexican cuisine ranks high on many people’s lists, with tacos at the top. But, have you ever stopped to wonder how the tasty taco came to be?  

It turns out, the history of the taco is as colorful and varied as the taco fillings themselves.  

Tacos as we know them today were believed to have started in the 1800s as the humble lunch of Mexican silver miners. The word “taco” translates to “plug” or “wad” – reflecting the small sticks of dynamite used in the mines.  

There is evidence, however, that the taco’s origins began much earlier.  

It is believed that the Aztecs invented tortillas using masa cooked on hot stones. The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, used the tortillas like a spoon to scoop or hold food such as cochineal, beans, and chiles. The word “taco” stems from the Nahuatl word “tlahco,” meaning “half” or “in the middle” in reference to how it is formed. 

(Also ReadMade to Cook: The Cooking Hypothesis)

Early taco fillings were simple and reflected what was available, such as fishcooked organs, small insects, ants, locusts, and snails. It wasn’t until the 1500s, when Spanish soldiers arrived in Mexico with pigs from Cuba, that pork was introduced as a filling and served at large banquets (the first “taco parties” as documented in 1520 by Bernal Diaz del Castillo, a Spanish soldier sailing with Hernan Cortes). From here, the taco spread across the “New World” as a staple food 

Whether crediting the Aztecs or silver miners, the taco is a dish woven through the fabric of Mexican cuisine. 

Into America & Beyond 

Portable and easy to eat, tacos became a primary meal of the working class. In time, street food vendors filled soft corn tortillas with a simple, spicy filling to offer workers on their breaks. Around 1905, this delicious and practical meal crossed the border into the United States when Mexican laborers moved north to work on the railroads.  

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the traditional filling of organs was replaced by beef and chicken. In addition, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese became standard fillings in America  this fusion brought forth by the availability of American ingredients and a more subtle palate.   

While some may prefer more traditional preparation, today, tacos in America include a vibrant blend of traditional Mexican flavors combined with new ingredients and influences from around the globe – a fusion of flavors to satiate a wide variety of tastes.  

Need further evidence of the taco’s cult-like following? In 2019, Netflix released the first season of Taco Chronicles, a docuseries that explores the rich histories of popular taco styles. From barbacoa to carnitas, cochinita to birria, and many others, watch this mouth-watering series on your next taco night.  

Whatever fillings you like, tacos are arguably one of the most-loved foods in the world. Whether you prefer vegetarian sweet potato and black bean, or chicken, pork or beef, CookinGenie offers fresh, authentic home-cooked Mexican-styled tacos to make every night taco night. We cook from scratch with wholesome ingredients, right in your kitchen. Whether meal prepping or organizing a small dinner party, our Genies can help create a taco bar like no other, connecting you back to hundreds of years of tradition and fusion of cultures through food.  

 

Sources 


Read More Blogs

Oct 30, 2019

Key success factors as a home cook

So, you’ve been thinking of exploring your options as a home cook, but aren’t quite...

Read More

A Guide to Visiting Ohio Wineries and Vineyards

Nov 05, 2022

A Guide to Visiting Ohio Wineries and Vineyards

A visit to Ohio’s wine country is a perfect way to spend a day or...

Read More

Take Control of Your Health by Lowering Sodium and Sugar Intake

Feb 10, 2023

Take Control of Your Health by Lowering Sodium and Sugar Intake

You know what they say: you are what you eat. But sometimes, the foods we...

Read More

Oct 29, 2019

Meal kits – chop chop flop

Do It Yourself meal kits have been around since the early 2000’s and rose quickly...

Read More

ChickenPadThai -CookinGenie

Dec 23, 2020

Pad Thai: The Noodle Dish that Helped Build a Nation

For many people, pad Thai—the delectable sweet, sour, and spicy stir fry of rice noodles, tofu, eggs, veggies, bean...

Read More

How Chefs Manage Their Own Business

Jun 09, 2021

CookinGenie: A Better Way for Chefs to Manage Their Own Business

If you’re a talented chef, you probably know the rewarding feeling of cooking for friends...

Read More

Hiring a personal chef what to expect in terms of cost

Oct 14, 2022

Hiring a Personal Chef: What to Expect in Terms of Cost?

Are you thinking about hiring a personal chef? It’s a great way to free up...

Read More

Vegan Cheese

Mar 31, 2023

Vegan Cheese: A Sustainable Alternative to Dairy Cheese

Are you a cheese lover but feel guilty about the environmental impact of dairy production?...

Read More

Ohio Wineries and Vineyards Scene

Dec 21, 2022

Explore Ohio’s Aromatic Wineries and Stunning Vineyards

Ohio has a proud and rich tradition of winemaking that dates back to the early...

Read More