Geography & Climate
This crop is known as the "Mother of Mexico" because it can grow in almost any climate zone, from mountains to coasts.
Corn
This folded or rolled tortilla is a staple of Mexican "Material Culture" and can hold any regional filling.
What is a Taco
This European language is the primary tongue of Mexico, influencing how food items are named and categorized.
What is Spanish
This major religion heavily influences food choices, such as eating "Lenten" meals (no meat) during certain times of the year.
What is Roman Catholicism
Because of globalization, this neighboring country has heavily influenced the creation of "Tex-Mex" cuisine.
What is the United States
This dry, arid climate in Northern Mexico makes farming difficult but is perfect for this specific food-related industry.
What is Cattle Ranching
This dark, complex sauce often includes chiles and chocolate, representing the "Mestizo" blending of Indigenous and European flavors.
What is Mole
n these types of "Communities," families often grow their own food (the Milpa system) rather than buying it at a supermarket.
What are Rural/Indigenous Communities
This celebration on January 6th features a special "Kings' Cake" (Rosca) shared among friends and family.
What is Día de los Reyes
This term describes how Mexican food traditions have spread to almost every country on the planet.
What is Global Diffusion (or Globalization)
This geographic feature provides a "Natural Factor" that makes seafood a staple in coastal states like Veracruz.
What is the Coastline
This volcanic stone mortar and pestle is a "Material Culture" tool used to grind ingredients for salsas.
What is a Molcajete
This economic factor determines whether a family chooses to buy cheap, local staples or expensive, imported "Western" goods.
What is Purchasing Power (or Socio-economic Status)
This festival is a "Symbolic" use of food, where meals are placed on altars to welcome the spirits of ancestors.
What is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
This is one negative health effect globalization has had on Mexican food choices.
The rise of Processed Foods and fast-food chains replacing traditional diets
In mountainous regions, farmers use these "Vertical Zones" to grow different crops, like coffee at mid-levels and cold-weather vegetables at the top.
What is Altitudinal Zonation
This traditional soup made from hominy corn and meat was historically used in sacred religious ceremonies.
What is Pozole
How does living in a busy "Urban Community" (City) change the way people eat compared to rural areas?
It leads to Faster Mealtimes and a decline in the traditional long lunch (Siesta)
During the 9-day celebration of Las Posadas, this "Symbolic" act is performed by offering food and shelter to "pilgrims."
What is Hospitality
This happens when Mexican recipes are changed to fit foreign tastes, such as "Burrito Bowls" or "Korean BBQ Tacos."
What is Cultural Hybridization
How does the "Rainy Season" influence the timing of many Mexican cultural festivals?
It marks the Harvest Cycle, where festivals are held to give thanks for the food grown during the rains.
This ancient cooking method involves wrapping meat in leaves and burying it in an underground pit.
What is Barbacoa
This economic problem occurs when a traditional local food (like Avocado) becomes a global trend, making it too expensive for the local people who grow it.
What is Gentrification of Food
In a Quinceañera, the feast is the "Material" element; what is the "Symbolic" element of this celebration?
It represents the Transition from childhood to adulthood and community belonging.
How does global demand for one specific crop (like Avocados) impact the environment in Mexico?
It can lead to Deforestation or "Monocropping" (destroying soil health).