While it may seem like the customs and traditions of the ancient Maya are shrouded in mystery, there are actually many parts of their culture that were well-documented, one of those being their diet. Many of the foods that they dined upon remain diet staples for people living in countries such as Mexico, where the Maya once dominated vast regions within them. These flavor sensations may be rooted in ancient times, but the following foods, which were discovered, developed and refined hundreds of years ago, are as delicious as ever. See which of your favorite foods were consumed by the ancient Maya below: Avocados and Guacamole Sure, the avocado has become a trendy food in the modern world in the past few years, but the savory fruit has been around for centuries in Mexico. The ancient Maya treasured the avocado because of its delicious flavor and smooth texture. There are several different varieties of avocados that the Maya enjoyed. They prepared early versions of guacamole by mixing avocados with spicy chilies, onion, lime juice, and …
Mexican food is adored the world over; tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas are staples in restaurants all over the world, and no doubt many people would name these dishes first when asked about Mexican cuisine. For those who have spent time in Mexico, and of course for Mexican nationals, however, there are few dishes as quintessentially Mexican as Mole. Mole is iconic, but did you know that there are many different kinds? Mole varies from region to region, even from family to family, and can be made with more than 30 ingredients! The most famous is Mole Poblano, hailing from Puebla, which is most often served over turkey! Here are some interesting tit-bits of information regarding mole: Mole’s endless Ingredients As we said before, mole can be made with as many as 30 ingredients at a time. Chili is almost always an ingredient, but sweeter flavours like cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate are often found in mole alongside some kind of nuts (almonds or peanuts usually), bread crumbs, and cloves. Where did mole originate? Most surprising, …
Mexico is one of the most stunning countries in the world. There is no doubt about that. If you’re an adventure seeker there are few places which can offer the breadth of sight, sound, taste, and experience that Mexico does. For foodies, in particular, Mexico represents a unique chance; Mexico has long had an element of insect consumption in its cuisine that is unrivalled elsewhere. The huge number of edible insects in the country made it easy for Mexico’s warriors of old to have a high-protein, low fat diet, and the tradition has not died out! Long before there were beef fajitas, pork tacos, and fish ceviches, there were dishes and snacks made using the edible insects all around the country. Before you turn your nose up and claim that you have suddenly become vegan, take a look at some of the edible insects you might get to try in Mexico. Gusanos (Maguey Worms) Gusanos are iconic; they are the worms most commonly found in the bottom of mezcal bottles, and they are rumored to …
The Sian Ka’an Village, in Mexico’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is the personification of perfection when it comes to luxurious eco-friendly getaways in the sunshine. Located in the Mexican Caribbean, Sian Ka’an Village has been named after the Biosphere in which it rests; sun, sand, and delicious food are a staple of this heavenly, untarnished resort. Sun There are few places in the world which get sunshine more reliably than the Caribbean coastline of Mexico, and the Sian Ka’an Village benefits from this wonderful climate and its roughly 300 sunny days each year. The average temperature is around 80 degrees fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), too, which means you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to wear your bikini whenever! Beach There are few places which can boast a beach so private that your only neighbors are the fish on the reefs and other marine life, but the Sian Ka’an Village can make this claim! The Sian Ka’an Village is one of only a handful of properties for miles, thanks to its place in the protected biosphere. …
Sian Ka’an Village is the perfect location for luxury eco-friendly getaways on the Mexican Caribbean. Sun, beach and delicious dishes are guaranteed in this heavenly retreat far from the madding crowds. Sun Sun, sun and more sun is the name of the game on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. You can be sure to get your fill of vacation sunshine when relaxing at the Sian Ka’an Village. With an average of close to 300 sunny days per year and temperatures that average around 80 degrees fahrenheit, sun filled vacations are pretty much a guarantee no matter which month of the year your visit. Beach Not many places can boast a private beach where your only neighbours are the coral reefs, the marine life and an American expat who visits his beachfront home in paradise just a couple of times a year, which is located some 5 or so minutes along the beach from Sian Ka’an Village. That’s right! The Sian Ka’an Village is the only property for miles around and you can be sure of an exclusive …
When you find yourself basking in the sun on the beach while on vacation in Mexico, there’s just something about having a cold drink in your hand while you’re hanging out on the beach that makes the experience feel complete. Nothing complements quality time spent in lounge chairs or hammocks underneath beach umbrellas better than a frosty beverage (and some sunblock!). Here are some of the top picks to help keep you cool as you take in the calming sights of the ocean and relax with your toes in the sand: Margarita The quintessential drink of Mexico that, for some, comes to mind at the mere mention of the festive country, a margarita definitely hits the spot while on the beach. The traditional ingredients of a margarita include tequila, triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur) and lime juice and is most commonly served on the rocks (shaken with ice) or blended (frozen), sometimes with a salted rim. The blended margarita has evolved to include delicious fruit flavors such as strawberry, peach, and mango. Tequila Sunrise Named …
If you’re a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to food and drink then you’ll want to hear about xtabentun; this sweet Mexican liqueur is really delicious, and is quickly gaining popularity around the world. Lesser known that the big hitters tequila and mescal, and even less well known that raicilla, xtabentun is produced only in the Yucatan Peninsula and has a limited distribution area. As such it won’t be too much of a surprise to hear that most parts of the country do not stock it and know very little about it; it can be found mostly in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Xtabentun made from aniseed Xtabentun is made from anise seeds and fermented honey which is extracted by bees from the nectar of the flower of a same name, and it is known to go back to Mayan times, especially to a ceremonial liquor called Balché. The plant from which this drink comes is knowns as Turbina corymbosa, scientifically, but its common name means “vines growing on stone” in Yucatec Mayan. …
While everyone seems to have an opinion about tequila, whether resulting from sampling the sophisticated side of the liquor or perhaps a rough night of too much Cuervo, this quintessential Mexican delicacy is deeply rooted in tradition. One of the most recognized exports from Mexico, this spirit which is derived from the agave plant has a rich and fascinating history. While tequila seems to ignite passionate opinions for and against it when brought up in conversation, it continues to endure as Mexico’s most famous distilled beverage. Rich in History The earliest form of tequila, then called pulque, was recorded as far back as 1,000 B.C. It was made from the fermented sap of agave plants and used by the Aztecs, becoming so important to them that they worshipped Patecatl, the god of pulque. Agave distillation was not well recorded in the beginning but is believed to have started in the 1400s during the Spanish conquest, resulting in a Spanish trade route between Manila and Mexico. By the early 1600s, the Marquis of Altamira founded …
In recent years we have seen what has been coined “the lionfish invasion” in the Caribbean which sees abundant numbers of the lionfish (which are not native to the area) in the waters that surround the Mexican Caribbean coastline. This phenomenon threatens to affect the balance of the marine ecosystem in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and the Caribbean reef systems at large. Lionfish in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Albeit colorful, beautiful and unique, the lionfish, known as Pterois volitans, should not be swimming in Caribbean waters, or those of the Atlantic for that matter. They are actually native to the South Pacific and were introduced by accident to the Atlantic Ocean and subsequently Caribbean Sea. Today the fish in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is considered an invasive species with the potential for detrimental effects on the balance of indigenous ecosystems and coral reefs. How did lionfish arrive to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere? It is believed that the introduction of lionfish to the waters around the USA and Mexico occurred during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Speculation …
Nestled on the shores of one of Mexico’s most exclusive beaches is the Sian Ka’an Village, a luxury vacation rental that takes traveling beyond the limits of an ordinary vacation. This 7 bedroom beachfront property provides all the necessary elements so that guests can have an extraordinary experience. From stunning accommodations to exquisite cuisine, the owners of Sian Ka’an Village have thought of it all so that guests can enjoy world class service in the exclusivity of their own private escape. Delicious Experiences on the Menu at Sian Ka’an Village Visiting Sian Ka’an Village is like escaping to your own private island, where its remote location and unadulterated beauty create for magical moments. The serene seclusion of the property is ideal for those looking for an incredibly unique vacation in total privacy. With no signs of civilization (including restaurants and shops) for miles around, Sian Ka’an Village provide everything that guests need for the duration of their stay, including the services of a professional and talented Mexican cook who will prepare a delicious menu for …
