Goodheart-Willcox Publisher | Guide to Good Food | Chapter 28

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Chapter 28Latin America

• Part 4
• Foods of the World

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Objective

• Identify geographic and climatic factors that
  have influenced the characteristic foods of
  Mexico and the South American countries.

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Geography and Climate of Mexico

• In those sections of Mexico bordered by water,
  fish is an important part of the cuisine.
• The areas that border the United States are more
  suitable for raising cattle than crops.
• The geography and climate in the central plateau
  allow for profitable production of crops like
  corn and beans.

• What region of Mexico has a climate suitable for
  producing tropical fruits?

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Geography and Climate of South America

• High mountains and dense jungles have created
  geographic isolation in South America, which has
  led to the development of regional food customs.
• Nearly every kind of climate can be found in some
  part of South America.

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Objective

• Describe cultural factors that have affected the
  food customs of Mexico and South America.

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Mexican Culture

• The Aztecs, who originally inhabited Mexico,
  added corn, beans, and peppers to the cuisine.
• Spanish explorers influenced Mexican culture and
  introduced rice, wheat, beef, and oil.

• What are some examples of how Mexicos major
  crops are used in Mexican dishes?

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South American Culture

• South America was originally inhabited by native
  tribes, including the Inca.
• Portuguese and Spanish explorers brought their
  food customs with them to South America.
• Africans brought to South America contributed
  such foods as bananas, yams, and coconuts.

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Objective

• Prepare foods native to Latin America.

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Staple Ingredients in Mexican Cuisine

• Corn
• Beans
• Peppers

• What is the most important use of corn in Mexican
  cooking?

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Characteristic Foods of Mexico

• Mexican vegetables, such as huazontle, jicama,
  and chayotes, are often added to casseroles.
• Tropical fruits, including papayas, guavas, and
  pineapples, may be served in syrup as a light
  dessert.

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Characteristic Foods of Mexico

• Mexican sauces, or moles, are served with many
  foods and form the basis of flavorful stews.
• Desserts such as flan were influenced by Spanish
  and Portuguese cooks.
• Popular beverages include chocolate drinks and
  coffee.

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Mexican Regional Cuisine

• Wheat and beef are important in the cuisine of
  northern Mexico.
• Seafood is well liked among people living in
  coastal regions.
• Wild duck is common in eastern Mexico, whereas
  turkey is more common in the Yucatan.
• Bananas play a notable role in the cuisine of
  southern Mexico.

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South American Cuisine

• South American cuisine combines influences of
  native tribes with those of the Spanish,
  Portuguese, and Africans.
• Corn, potatoes, and manioc are staple foods found
  throughout South America.

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South American Dishes

• Venezuelas national dish, hallacas, is cornmeal
  dough filled with other foods.
• Ajiaco is a Colombian soup made with potatoes,
  chicken, corn, and cassava.
• Many Ecuadorian dishes feature locally grown
  bananas.
• Potatoes, or papa, are a staple food of the
  Peruvian people and are used in such dishes as
  causa a la limena.

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South American Dishes

• Chileans eat a lot of seafood, and chupe de
  marisco is a popular scallop dish.
• Argentine metambre is made with spinach,
  hard-cooked eggs, carrots, onions, and flank
  steak.
• Brazils national dish, feijoada completa, is
  meat served with black beans and other
  accompaniments.

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Apply It!

• You want to take your family on a culinary tour
  of Latin America.

• Plan a four-course menu in which each course
  represents a different Latin American country.

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Key Question

• What Latin American foods will you serve your
  family?

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Other Questions to Consider

• How is food used in holiday celebrations
  throughout Latin America?
• What kind of meal patterns are followed in
  Mexico?
• What are some of the highlights of modern culture
  in South America?