Why you have the Aztec and the Inca to thank for your favourite food

The Aztec Empire was a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished from the 14th to the 16th century.

The empire was located in what is now central Mexico, and it was renowned for its sophisticated agricultural practices, which included the cultivation of maize, beans, and squash.

These crops formed the basis of the Aztec diet, and they were used in a variety of dishes, including tamales, tortillas, and salsas.

One of the most famous Aztec dishes is probably chocolate. The Aztecs were the first people to cultivate cacao beans, which they used to make a drink that was reserved for nobles and warriors.

The drink was bitter and spicy, and it was often mixed with other ingredients, such as vanilla, chili peppers, and honey.

Today, chocolate is enjoyed all over the world, and it's used in everything from cakes and cookies to ice cream and hot drinks.

The Inca Empire, which was located in what is now Peru, was another civilization that had a significant impact on global cuisine.

The Inca people were skilled farmers, and they developed a variety of crops that are still grown today, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and quinoa.

These crops were used in a range of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.

Perhaps one of the most famous Inca dishes is ceviche, a dish made from raw fish marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or lemon. Ceviche is a staple in Peruvian cuisine, and it's become popular all over the world in recent years.

The Inca people also developed a technique for preserving food called chicha, which involved fermenting maize to produce a type of beer.

The discovery of the New World in the late 15th century had a profound impact on European cuisine.

Prior to the arrival of foods from the Americas, European cuisine was limited to ingredients native to the region, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, and livestock.

With the introduction of new foods from the Americas, European cuisine was forever changed.

Here are some of the foods of the New World:

Potatoes:

Potatoes were first introduced to Europe in the late 16th century and quickly became a staple in many European cuisines. They are a key ingredient in dishes like French fries, mashed potatoes, and potato pancakes.

Tomatoes:

Tomatoes were brought to Europe in the early 16th century and were initially used as ornamental plants. However, they soon became an important ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as pizza, pasta sauces, and Spanish gazpacho.

Peppers:

Peppers, including bell peppers and chili peppers, were introduced to Europe in the late 15th century. They are now used in a wide range of European cuisines, from Spanish and Italian to Hungarian and Turkish.

Maize (corn):

Maize was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became an important food crop in many European countries. It is used in dishes like polenta, cornbread, and tortillas.

Chocolate:

Chocolate, made from cacao beans, was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It quickly became popular as a drink and was later used in baking and confectionery.

Vanilla:

Vanilla, made from the pods of a Mexican orchid, was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is now used in a wide range of desserts, from ice cream to custards.

Italian, Spanish, and French cuisine all rely heavily on ingredients introduced to Europe from the New World.

Here are some examples of how these foods have influenced these cuisines:

Italian Cuisine:

• Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine, used in dishes like pasta sauces, pizza, and caprese salad.
• Polenta, a dish made from cornmeal, is a popular Italian side dish.
• Chocolate is used in many Italian desserts, such as tiramisu and chocolate gelato.

Spanish Cuisine:

• Peppers are a key ingredient in Spanish cuisine, used in dishes like paella and gazpacho.
• Tomatoes are also used extensively in Spanish cuisine, in dishes like salsa and Spanish omelette.
• Chocolate is used in Spanish desserts like churros and hot chocolate.

French Cuisine:

• Potatoes are a common ingredient in French cuisine, used in dishes like gratin dauphinois and pommes frites.
• Tomatoes are used in many French dishes, including ratatouille and Provençal-style fish dishes.
• Chocolate is used in French desserts like chocolate mousse and chocolate croissants.

The influence of New World ingredients on European cuisine cannot be overstated.

From the humble potato to the flavorful tomato, these foods have become essential components of some of our favorite dishes.

Italian cuisine, for example, relies heavily on tomatoes and peppers in its cooking, making it difficult to imagine a world without pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, or Caprese salad.

Without these foods from the New World, the world's cuisines would be fundamentally different, and we would not have some of our most beloved dishes.