Common Spices Used In Mexican Food
Posted on: 17 June 2021
You can probably name the most common ingredients used in traditional Mexican food. Tortillas, peppers, tomatoes, and onions are incredibly popular in this cuisine! But what about the spices? Not all of the flavor in Mexican cuisine comes from chili peppers. There are a few key spices that pop up again and again, too.
Cumin
Cumin is a unique spice that comes from cumin seeds, which are usually ground before being used. It's newer to Mexican cuisine, having been introduced sometime in the 1800s. Cumin has a warm flavor and a bit of heat, but nothing like that of a chili pepper. It is a common ingredient in spice mixes used to season meats, and especially beef.
Mexican Oregano
You might be surprised to hear that oregano, being such a classic Italian herb, is also used in Mexican food. In Mexico, the variety grown is a bit different. It has a slight citrus note, and it is sweeter than Italian oregano. Although Mexican oregano is technically an herb, many will refer to it as a spice since it's almost always used in its dried form, rather than fresh. It's a common ingredient in soups, stews, and sauces.
Coriander
Coriander is the ground seeds from the same plant that's called "cilantro." It has a floral flavor with hints of citrus and a slight spiciness. It's often paired with cumin. Coriander is a common ingredient in Mexican chorizo sausages, and you may also see it in breakfast dishes. It delivers a bit of a milder flavor than chili peppers.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used all over the world, and Mexico is no exception. Here, it's not used so often in savory dishes as you'd see in the Middle East or in the Caribbean. (One exception is mole sauce, a savory sauce made with chocolate, cinnamon, and allspice.) But it is incredibly popular in desserts.
Cloves
Cloves, like cinnamon, are mostly used in sweet dishes in Mexico. Sometimes they are dropped in whole to flavor a drink or sauce and then removed before that drink or sauce is served. Other times, they are ground and added to the dish. Cloves have a pungent, acidic, sweet aroma that's hard to duplicate.
The next time you visit a Mexican food restaurant, pay attention to the dishes you're served and what spices they contain. Mexican cuisine does not rely on spices as heavily as some other cuisines, but they are definitely there.
Share