Mesoamerican societies have long been known for their unique culinary traditions, with a focus on the cultivation of corn, beans, squashes, and other crops together in a practice known as “milpa.” This practice is still at the core of Mexican cuisine to this day, and from it we can trace the origin of some of the most popular ingredients in Mexican food. Chocolate, for example, was first cultivated by the Mayans. The Aztecs were also known for their use of chillies in their cooking, and today they remain a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Fruits such as avocados, tomatoes, and papayas were also first cultivated in Mesoamerica, and these are still some of the most popular ingredients in Mexican cuisine. Through the practice of “milpa”, Mesoamerican societies have shaped Mexican cuisine into the vibrant and delicious cuisine that we know and love today.
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