Kitchen Safety & Food Hygiene
This is the temperature range, between 5°C and 60°C, where harmful bacteria multiply most rapidly.
What is the Danger Zone?
This traditional hand tool made from volcanic stone is used to grind maize, spices, and grains.
What is a metate?
This basic dough, made from nixtamalized corn flour and water, serves as the foundation for tortillas, tamales, and sopes.
What is masa (or masa harina)?
This distinct physical feature, created by pinching the edges of the cooked masa disk while warm, holds the toppings in place.
What is the pinched rim (or raised border)?
Along with beans and squash, this crop forms the foundation of the ancient Mesoamerican agricultural triad known as "The Three Sisters."
What is corn (maize)?
This practice of keeping raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods prevents the transfer of harmful bacteria.
What is preventing cross-contamination?
This flat, smooth cooking surface or griddle is traditionally used to toast spices, char vegetables, and cook tortillas.
What is a comal?
Known for its buttery texture, this green fruit is the primary ingredient in classic guacamole.
What is an avocado?
Sopes are traditionally cooked first on a comal and then briefly prepared using this heat method to crisp the exterior.
What is shallow frying (or pan frying)?
Mexican cuisine was honored by UNESCO with this prestigious cultural designation in 2010.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
This basic hygiene action must be performed for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before handling food.
What is washing your hands?
This deep volcanic stone mortar and pestle is traditionally used to crush and blend ingredients for salsas and guacamole.
What is a molcajete?
This crumbly, salty white cheese is commonly used as a garnish on top of refried beans, tacos, and sopes.
What is Cotija cheese?
This creamy, smooth bean spread is usually applied as the very first layer on top of the masa base.
What are refried beans?
This rich, complex sauce often features a blend of chili peppers, spices, seeds, and occasionally dark chocolate.
What is mole?
To safely extinguish a grease fire in the kitchen, you should cover it with a lid or use this, rather than applying water.
What is baking soda (or a fire extinguisher/fire blanket)?
This ancient process involves boiling and soaking dried corn in an alkaline solution, usually limewater, to improve digestibility and nutritional value.
What is nixtamalization?
This herb, known for its bright, citrusy flavour, is widely used in fresh Mexican salsas, though some people find its taste soapy.
What is cilantro (coriander)?
Unlike a tortilla, a sope base is notable for having this specific structural characteristic.
What is being thicker?
These two ancient civilizations laid the foundational agricultural and culinary roots of traditional Mexican food.
Who are the Maya and the Aztecs (or Olmecs/Mesoamericans)?
Perishable foods left out at room temperature should be discarded after this maximum number of hours.
What is 2 hours?
This technique involves lightly blackening the skins of peppers, tomatoes, or garlic on a hot griddle to add a deep, smoky flavour.
What is charring (or tatemado)?
These small, green, husked fruits belong to the nightshade family and provide the key tart flavour in salsa verde.
What are tomatillos?
Sopes originate from this region of Mexico, though they are now enjoyed nationwide.
What is Central and Southern Mexico?
The Spanish introduction of dairy, wheat, and domestic meats (such as pork and beef) in the 16th century created this type of blended culinary tradition.
What is mestizo cuisine (or fusion/syncretic cuisine)?