History of the Taco
Tacos, one of our most beloved foods that are perfect for all occasions: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. A staple of Mexican cuisine and delicious in countless variations. So you might ask... Where did this ingenious concoction come from?
Unfortunately, we don’t have an answer to that. The history of this staple is unknown. People back then didn't have My Fitness Pal to track their diets, so it is hard to prove exactly when certain ingredients were combined to create the innovative and imaginative combination, we now know as the taco.
With that being said, we do know that the domestication and widespread use of corn can be traced back around 9,000 years. Corn was one of the earliest cultivated vegetables and was quickly adapted into what we know as tortillas. I think it is safe to assume that someone was using these tortillas as tacos!
Taquería, or taco shops, were also an important element of the history of the taco. After the Mexican-American war, workers flocked to Mexico City to look for work. To feed these migrants, taquerías popped up all over the city, making it a taco hub.
Whether tacos originated 9,000 years ago or 200 years ago, one thing is certain: Tacos have constantly evolved with countless variations that are ALL delicious. For example, tacos are commonly made with corn tortillas in Mexico and are often garnished with onions, guacamole, and salsa. In the United States, tacos are commonly larger and made with flour tortillas or fried taco shells, and garnished with lettuce and cheese; something that Mexican people find bizarre!
We LOVE all the tacos! We believe that what makes a taco delicious to you is all that matters. Our Cast Iron and Aluminum Tortilla Presses are great for making traditional corn tortillas. Try it out! Make your own version of the perfect taco using your favorite ingredients. If this post made you hungry and you’re looking for some taco recipes, we have some great ones on our Recipe blog!
