Mexican cuisine is a World Heritage Site for this reason

As Mexicans, we have always known that our food is not only delicious but also carries a deep cultural and historical significance, and in 2010, the world recognized this too. Long before more renowned kitchens filled with Michelin-starred restaurants like French or Japanese cuisine, UNESCO decided that Aztec cuisine would be the first to receive the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here’s how it happened: On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, it was a special day for Mexican cuisine as it was recognized worldwide as the first cuisine to receive the title of World Heritage. It is worth mentioning that other candidates like France or Italy were not very pleased with the decision, as they believed their cooking had contributed more to modern gastronomy than Mexican cuisine. The response from the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, which met in Nairobi, Kenya, was very clear. Mexican cuisine was chosen for the following reasons: -Our cuisine is communal: we do not cook dishes for one, and our recipes are not individual; instead, a culture of sharing and family is created around what we eat. -Our cuisine is ancestral: just as we eat corn, beans, and cacao today, our ancestors did the same in pre-Hispanic times. The gastronomic legacy of Mexican ingredients spans millennia. -Our cuisine is alive: the gastronomic legacy of Mexico continues to grow, but it is always rooted in the same traditions. Our recipes, preparations, and techniques, such as the use of the molcajete and nixtamalization, remain relevant. - Our cuisine is universal: it doesn't matter if you are in the home of the President of Mexico or in a rural area; dishes like mole, tacos, enchiladas, and many others can be found on every table in Mexico. Our typical dishes are also democratic and enjoyed at all tables. Now, just as the previous points were important, there was one more that made the jury's decision easy: the Mexican trinity. For thousands of years, beans, chili, and corn have been the pillars on which Mexican gastronomy rests, and that remains true. The reason this was important for the decision is that our cuisine has managed to expand across the world while always showcasing our territory and origin; our cuisine is also an ambassador of our land. Here are some recipes to celebrate the culinary triumph of our Mexico: Chicken Mole Chile en Nogada Mexican Desserts Barbacoa Chicharrón Prenzado