3 Things You Didn’t Know About Mexican Food

Mexican cuisine is beloved around the world for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting textures. While many are familiar with tacos, guacamole, and margaritas, there are a few restaurants in Coconut Grove that go beyond the basics, bringing to life the rich traditions and depth of authentic Mexican cooking. Behind these popular dishes lies a culinary heritage rooted in ancient practices and regional ingredients.

Here are three fascinating things you may not know about some of your favorite Mexican staples.

Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs. The name comes from the Nahuatl word ahuacamolli, meaning “avocado sauce.” The original version was made with just avocados and salt, sometimes with the addition of lime or chili. The Aztecs believed avocados had aphrodisiac properties, and the fruit itself was considered a symbol of fertility. Today’s guacamole variations may include tomato, onion, garlic, or even pomegranate seeds, but its cultural and historical roots remain strong.

While tacos have become a global phenomenon, their humble origins remain. The word “taco” likely comes from 18th-century Mexican silver mines, where “taco” referred to a small explosive charge wrapped in paper. Some believe the dish was named after this due to its similar shape. Early tacos were simple corn tortillas filled with ingredients like fish, beans, or meat. Unlike the hard-shell version popularized in the U.S., authentic Mexican tacos at restaurants in Coconut Grove are soft, made with fresh corn tortillas, and are usually topped with chopped onion, cilantro, and salsa, no cheese or sour cream in sight.

Yes, they are both made from the agave plant, but they’re quite different. Tequila can only be made from blue agave and must come from specific regions, mostly in the state of Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from over 30 varieties of agave and often has a smokier flavor due to the traditional underground roasting process. Mezcal is the older of the two and has long been used in ceremonial and medicinal contexts.

As you can see, Mexican cuisine is a rich, layered tradition filled with history, regional variety, and surprising stories behind even the simplest ingredients. The next time you enjoy tacos, guacamole, or a sip of mezcal at your favorite restaurants in Coconut Grove, you’ll know there’s a deeper cultural heritage behind every bite.