Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
III. Mexican Cuisine/ Mexico
Mexico, officially known as the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), is a country
located in the southern part of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States, to the
south and west by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea,
and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some key points about Mexico:
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City (Ciudad de México). Other major cities include Guadalajara,
Monterrey, Puebla, and Tijuana.
Mexico has a rich cultural heritage that includes a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other
influences. It is known for its vibrant traditions, festivals (like Día de los Muertos), cuisine (such as
tacos, mole, and tamales), music (mariachi, banda), and art (notable artists include Frida Kahlo and
Diego Rivera).
The official language is Spanish, and it is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.
There are also 68 national languages, including indigenous languages such as Nahuatl and Maya.
Mexico has the 15th largest economy in the world. Key industries include manufacturing, oil
production, tourism, and agriculture. It is a member of international organizations such as the United
Nations, the G20, and the Organization of American States.
Mexico is a federal republic with a president serving as both the head of state and government.
It has a multi-party system, and its government structure includes executive, legislative, and judicial
branches.
Mexico is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites, such as the ancient ruins
of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, beautiful beaches in Cancun and Los Cabos, and vibrant cities like
Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Chilli peppers is a fundamental part of their cuisine, The flavor profile of Mexican cuisine is
characterized by bold, vibrant, and complex flavors. It often includes a combination of spicy, savory,
and tangy elements, creating a harmonious balance. Key flavors in Mexican cuisine come from
ingredients such as chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic, and onion, which are used to season dishes.
The use of fresh herbs like cilantro and epazote also adds a fresh and aromatic element to many
dishes. Additionally, Mexican cuisine often incorporates ingredients like lime, tomatoes, and avocado,
which contribute to its bright and refreshing taste. Overall, Mexican cuisine is known for its robust and
flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and exciting to the palate.
A. Geographic Location
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
Mexico features a diverse landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and tropical rainforests.
The Sierra Madre occidental mountain ranges run through the country, and it also boasts beautiful
beaches along its extensive coastline. It is in North America.
B. Climate
Mexico has a diverse climate due to its large size and varying geography, ranging from tropical to arid.
Here's an overview of the different climate zones in Mexico:
1. Tropical Wet and Dry Climate:
Location: Southern Mexico, including the Yucatán Peninsula and coastal areas.
Characteristics: Hot and humid with a distinct wet season (May to October) and dry
season (November to April). Average temperatures are generally above 25°C (77°F)
year-round.
2. Desert Climate:
Location: Northern Mexico, including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.
Characteristics: Extremely dry with high temperatures during the day and cooler
nights. Rainfall is scarce, typically less than 250 mm (10 inches) per year.
3. Semi-Arid Climate:
Location: Central highlands and parts of northern Mexico.
Characteristics: Moderate temperatures with low to moderate rainfall. Summers can
be warm, while winters are cooler. Annual rainfall ranges from 250 to 500 mm (10 to 20
inches).
4. Temperate Climate:
Location: Central plateau, including Mexico City and surrounding areas.
Characteristics: Mild temperatures with distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall is more
abundant during the summer months. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C
(59°F to 77°F).
5. Mountain Climate:
Location: High elevations in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
Characteristics: Cooler temperatures year-round with significant variations depending
on altitude. Higher elevations can experience cold winters and even snowfall.
6. Humid Subtropical Climate:
Location: Eastern coastal areas, including parts of Veracruz and Tamaulipas.
Characteristics: Hot and humid summers with mild winters. Rainfall is distributed
more evenly throughout the year, though there may be a peak during the summer.
7. Tropical Rainforest Climate:
Location: Southernmost regions, including parts of Chiapas and the Lacandon Jungle.
Characteristics: Hot and humid with significant rainfall year-round. Average
temperatures are consistently high, and annual rainfall can exceed 2,000 mm (79
inches).
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C. Topography
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
The topography of Mexico is diverse and varied, characterized by a combination of mountains,
plateaus, deserts, and coastal plains. Here’s an overview of the major topographical features:
1. Sierra Madre Occidental: Western mountain range with rugged terrain and deep canyons,
including Copper Canyon.
2. Sierra Madre Oriental: Eastern mountain range running parallel to the Sierra Madre
Occidental.
3. Sierra Madre del Sur: Southern mountain range from Jalisco to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
4. Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Eje Volcánico Transversal): Volcanic range across central
Mexico, including peaks like Pico de Orizaba and Popocatépetl.
5. Mexican Plateau (Altiplano Central): Elevated central region, includes the Valley of Mexico
and Mexico City.
6. Baja California Peninsula: Long peninsula with mountains, deserts, and coastal plains.
7. Gulf Coastal Plain: Low-lying area along the Gulf of Mexico, fertile and agriculturally
important.
8. Pacific Coastal Plain: Narrow coastal area along the Pacific Ocean.
9. Yucatán Peninsula: Flat, low-lying region with limestone bedrock and cenotes.
10. Isthmus of Tehuantepec: Narrowest part of Mexico, connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the
Pacific Ocean.
11. Chihuahua and Sonoran Deserts: Arid regions in northern Mexico with sparse vegetation.
D. History
Mexico's history is marked by ancient civilizations like the Olmecs, Mayas, Teotihuacan, and
Aztecs, known for their cultural and architectural achievements. The Spanish Conquest (1519-1521)
transformed Mexico into a Spanish colony until the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821)
brought liberation. The 19th century featured conflicts such as the Mexican-American War and the
French Intervention. The Porfiriato era (1876-1911) under Porfirio Díaz brought modernization but
also inequality, leading to the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) and significant reforms. In the 20th
century, the PRI dominated politics until democratic transitions began with Vicente Fox's election in
2000.
E. Religion
Religion in Mexico has been a significant aspect of its culture and history. The majority of
Mexicans identify as Christians, with the largest denomination being Roman Catholicism. Catholicism
was introduced during the Spanish colonization in the 16th century and has since become deeply
ingrained in Mexican society. Other Christian denominations, such as Protestantism, have also grown
in Mexico, particularly in recent years.
In addition to Christianity, Mexico has a rich tradition of indigenous religions that predate the
arrival of the Spanish. These indigenous beliefs often blend with Catholicism, creating a unique
syncretic religious culture. One prominent example is the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of
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the Dead), which combines indigenous practices with Catholic traditions.
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Mexican Constitution, and there is a diverse range of
religious beliefs and practices in the country. However, Catholicism remains the dominant religion,
with a strong influence on Mexican culture, traditions, and society.
F. Famous and Authentic Foods
Appetizer:
Famous: Guacamole
A delicious dish made primarily from mashed
avocados mixed with lime juice, salt, onions,
tomatoes, and cilantro. It is typically served with
tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and other
Mexican dishes. Guacamole is known for its
creamy texture and refreshing taste, making it a
popular choice among both Mexicans and
international food enthusiasts.
Authentic: Tlacoyos
A popular street food made with masa dough
(similar to that used for tortillas) filled with
various ingredients like beans, cheese, or fava
beans. They are shaped like an oval and then
cooked on a comal (griddle) until crispy.
Salad:
Famous: Cobb Salad
While not originally Mexican, the Cobb Salad has
become popular in Mexico and worldwide. It
consists of chopped salad greens (usually
romaine and watercress), tomatoes, avocado,
hard-boiled eggs, bacon, chicken breast,
Roquefort cheese, and red-wine vinaigrette,
offering a rich and varied mix of flavors and
textures.
Authentic: Ensalada de Nopalitos
This salad features tender cactus pads
(nopalitos) that are boiled or grilled and diced,
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mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and
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sometimes jalapeños or serrano peppers. It's
TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
dressed with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and
pepper, offering a refreshing and traditional
Mexican flavor.
Soup:
Famous: Tortilla Soup (Sopa de Tortilla)
While not originally Mexican, this soup has
become popular in Mexican cuisine. It is made
with a tomato-based broth seasoned with onion,
garlic, and chili peppers, and often includes
strips of fried tortillas as well as chicken, cheese,
avocado, and sour cream as garnishes. It's a
comforting and flavorful soup enjoyed by many.
Authentic: Pozole
A traditional Mexican soup made with hominy
(dried maize kernels treated with an alkali), meat
(usually pork), and seasoned with chili peppers,
garlic, onion, and other spices. It is typically
garnished with shredded cabbage, radishes,
avocado, lime, and dried oregano, and served
with tostadas or tortillas on the side.
Main Entrée:
Famous: Tacos al Pastor
One of Mexico's most famous street foods, tacos
al pastor are made with thinly sliced pork
marinated in a combination of spices, chili
peppers, and pineapple, which is then cooked
on a vertical spit. The meat is typically served on
small tortillas and topped with cilantro, onions,
pineapple, and salsa, creating a flavorful and
iconic Mexican dish. Some believe that the term
“al pastor” was adopted because shepherds in
the state of Puebla (central Mexico) liked this
cooking method. Another theory is that “al
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pastor” refers to the lamb meat originally used
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to make these tacos
TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
Authentic: Mole Poblano
A classic Mexican dish featuring a rich, dark
sauce made from a combination of chili peppers,
chocolate, spices, nuts, and often includes
chicken or turkey. It's a complex and flavorful
dish that is often served during special occasions
and celebrations.
Desserts:
Famous: Churros
While churros originated in Spain, they are
widely enjoyed in Mexico and have become a
popular dessert. Churros are fried dough
pastries that are crispy on the outside and soft
on the inside, often coated in cinnamon sugar.
They are typically served with chocolate sauce or
dulce de leche for dipping.
Authentic: Tres Leches Cake
A popular and beloved dessert in Mexico, Tres
Leches Cake is a sponge cake soaked in a
mixture of three milks (evaporated milk,
condensed milk, and heavy cream), which gives
it a moist and rich texture. It is typically topped
with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Beverage:
Famous: Margarita
While not originally Mexican, the Margarita has
become synonymous with Mexican cuisine and
culture. It is a cocktail made with tequila, lime
juice, and orange liqueur, often served with salt
on the rim of the glass. The Margarita is a
popular and iconic drink that is enjoyed around
the world.
Authentic: Horchata
A refreshing and traditional Mexican drink made
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from rice that is soaked, blended, and then
TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
strained to create a creamy, slightly sweet, and
cinnamon-flavored beverage. It is often served
over ice and enjoyed as a cooling drink,
especially during hot weather.
Reporter’s
Point
Exploring Mexican cuisine is a journey into a vibrant culinary heritage known for bold flavors
and diverse regional dishes. Popular staples like tacos, tamales, and mole highlight the rich
blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Street food culture adds to the experience with
iconic dishes like elotes. Corn, a staple ingredient, features prominently. It is an exploration
of history, culture, and taste.
Checkpoint
What is the flavor profile of Mexican cuisine, why?
NAME: _________________________________ DATE: ______________________
COURSE, YEAR & SECTION: _________________ INSTRUCTOR: ARTHUR V. PASCUA
I. ESSAY: Answer the following questions comprehensively on a separate sheet of paper. (5
pts. each)
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur
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TOPIC: AMERICAN CUISINE
Presenters: Pimienta, Ducsa, Laforga, Rebibies
