Mexican food is considered a favorite cuisine all over the world and features some iconic flavors. There are, however, many types of food and ingredients that many people don't realize are from Mexico. In fact, according to the food and beverage industry publication Abasto, over 233 million Americans used Mexican ingredients or recipes in their diets. Let's look at some of the popular types of foods and ingredients that a top Mexican catering service may use below.

Cacao

Cacao is the base ingredient for chocolate. Cacao is produced in Tabasco, per the online magazine Food & Wine, and many producers of this popular and flavorful bean use the traditional Mayan technique. ScienceDirect states that the Mayans are hailed as the inventors of chocolate thanks to their unique way of fermentation and cacao toasting.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a hugely popular ingredient used in millions of recipes, especially when it comes to tasty desserts. Vanilla is popular for its amazing flavor but few people realize that we have the beautiful country of Mexico to thank for this ingredient! In fact, online magazine Tasting Table reports that the most authentic vanilla grows in Veracruz, Mexico.

Rice

Although rice comes from many different parts of the globe, rice grown in Morelos, Mexico is considered one of the finest on the planet, reports the online publication Mexicanist. It's hailed as a hallmark of fine grain quality in Mexico and beyond.

Coffee

We've covered chocolate and vanilla but coffee is also native to Mexico. In the area of Veracruz, you will find high-quality coffee crops that boast a spicy aroma and cinnamon flavor, states AllTrails. It's believed that growing coffee at extremely high altitudes is crucial to the extraordinary final product you receive from Mexican coffee.

Not only can you find exceptional coffee in Veracruz but also in Chiapas. Perfect Daily Grind reports that the coffee here is grown in volcanic soil with a peculiar acidity that gives this coffee bean an amazing chocolate aroma, along with hints of maple and caramel.

Habanero Chili

Per PepperScale, the Habanero chili pepper hails from the Yucatan and was originally farmed by the Amazonas region of Peru; it's now known as the Mexican pepper. It has a superior taste and heated bite that's hard to find in other crops around the world.

To experience the exciting flavors of Mexico for your next event, turn to our team at Ole Mole. Our catering service offers traditional Mexican cuisine you don't want to miss! Contact us today to learn more.