We know guacamole as a tasty dip that you can order with tortilla chips or add to your tacos and burritos. But guacamole is more than just mashed avocado that tops Mexican food. It’s also a perfect example of how Mexican cuisine has retained its native roots while incorporating European ingredients and flavor combinations.
Despite its simplicity, guacamole shows how Mexican food has changed over time while still continuing ancient culinary traditions.
Early Native Ingredients
Like many staples of Mexican food, guacamole has deep historical roots that date back to Aztec civilization. The word “guacamole” comes from the Nahuatl (ancient Aztec language) āhuacamolli, which translates to “avocado sauce.” It derives from two words: āhuacatl, avocado, and molli, sauce. Long before the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the Aztecs were mashing avocados and mixing them with native ingredients like tomatoes and chilies.
European Additions
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the early 1500s, they immediately took to guacamole, both because of the taste and the uniqueness of the avocado fruit. The Spanish tried to introduce avocados to Europe to cultivate them there, but the fruit thrived best in its native Central American climate.
Although the Spanish didn’t have the success they hoped for in growing avocados, they did make a lasting impact on guacamole. They introduced many of the ingredients we commonly put in guacamole today, including lime juice, onions, cilantro, and garlic. These additions enhanced the flavor while also preserving the avocado’s bright green color.
Guacamole Takes Off
For a long time, guacamole remained a regional staple, but had limited popularity outside of Mexico and the southwestern United States. However, in the 1990s, guacamole saw a surge in global popularity, partly due to the increase in avocado exports, especially to other regions of the United States. Guacamole, along with other staples of Mexican cuisine, gained international recognition and was adapted into new culinary contexts. Today, you can find guacamole everywhere: served with chips at Mexican restaurants, on toast at trendy cafes, or even on burgers and in wraps.
The Flavors of Traditional Mexican Food at Los Reyes
Although it is endlessly versatile, guacamole is at its best with simple ingredients: avocado, lime, and salt, served with tortilla chips. At Los Reyes Street Tacos, we’re all about traditional recipes made with simple, wholesome ingredients. What fits that better than guacamole?
