Mexican Food: The Day it Became a Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Mexican cuisine is unique in its kind. It offers us an incredible and unique blend of flavors in ingredients that result in dishes such as mole, chiles en nogada, rompope, tacos al pastor, and more. However, Mexican kitchens have enchanted locals and foreigners alike, as the UNESCO designated it as heritage of humanity. In 2010, the UNESCO declared that Mexican cuisine was part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a recognition that undoubtedly enhances the complex and intense flavors we find in every Mexican dish. At Kiwilimon, we tell you more about this achievement! You can also read: Convent cuisine and the women who changed the gastronomy of Mexico Mexican cuisine triumphs around the worldMexicanUNESCO declared Mexican cuisine as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 16, 2010, and that is why this date is celebrated as the Day of Mexican Gastronomy. In its declaration, UNESCO mentions that Mexican cuisine is composed not only of delicious dishes, but there are also other factors that make it unique: agricultural activity, culinary techniques, ancient wisdom, and rituals. Therefore, it is important to mention that our food goes far beyond being served at the table, for it is a legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation. On the other hand, the organization also highlights that Mexican cuisine is based on the milpa and its fruits: corn, beans, and chili, but also on what the chinampa offers us, a unique system that we can still appreciate in Xochimilco. We cannot overlook practices such as the nixtamalization of corn, as once it is cooked with lime, it becomes much easier to digest and increases the calcium content in tortillas. And what about the molcajetes and metates that allow us to bring homemade salsas and moles to the table. The magic of Mexican cuisine can be appreciated every day, as each bite of a taco, panucho, or gordita de chicharrón brings us one step closer to happiness. It is no surprise that UNESCO has recognized Mexican cuisine as a heritage of humanity! You might be interested in: La comida corrida, the invisible treasure of Mexican gastronomy An ode to Mexican cuisine When lists of the best restaurants in the world are published or rankings of favorite dishes are released, Mexicans always appear on them, like the good sesame seed in all moles. Likewise, in recent years, Mexican food has become one of the main tourist attractions, so new dishes and restaurants are constantly emerging, ready to enchant us with their flavors. In addition to the already famous fine dining restaurants such as Pujol, Rosetta, and Quintonil, Mexican gastronomy is also a living entity that exists in the streets and public spaces such as markets and tianguis. On one hand, street food has a legendary status in Mexico, where you can enjoy the best tacos, tortas, sopes, quesadillas, tlacoyos, and other garnachas and antojitos. In the case of markets and tianguis, they are an essential part of the almost mythical status that Mexican cuisine has acquired, since without the fresh products they offer us, it would be impossible to recreate the classics of Mexican gastronomy, as well as renew them through fusion dishes or reinterpretations. As you can see, Mexican food is a whole rainbow of flavors, which have been enriched over centuries: from the conception of the milpa, the nixtamalization of corn, the arrival of new ingredients, and even the creation of inventions such as manteconcha or guajolotongo. At Kiwilimon, we consider ourselves part of those who must honor and promote Mexican gastronomy, which is why we share the best step-by-step Mexican food recipes with you. Dive into our culinary tradition and make the flavors last for generations! See also: Dishes and drinks from Mexico that were born on the northern border