Ancient Traditions & Exotic Guacamole - Vallarta Nayarit Blog " />

Ancient Traditions & Exotic Guacamole

Pre-Hispanic Cuisine in Riviera Nayarit

The culinary traditions of Mexico are vast and the robust flavors are globally recognized for their spice and their unique qualities. But true Mexican food is much more than simply spices and tacos – it’s a lovingly preserved cultural heritage with a wealth of deep-rooted history dating back to the ancient Mexican cultures such as the Aztecs and the Mayas.

The wide-ranging culinary variety is not limited by type of food or ingredient, especially when talking about the interesting gourmet flavors of the pre-Hispanic cuisine. An example of the more exotic traditions in Mexico’s mysterious past include the addition of interesting proteins like grasshoppers and crickets!

Since the beginning of time, chapulines (or edible insects) have been a key ingredient in the Mexican gastronomy. Records show hundreds of species of insects were part of the typical food cooked and served by pre-Hispanic cultures.

Today, edible insects are not as common in the Western world, but when they’re cooked and added to a dish, they bring a special flair to the plate. This is an age-old tradition that harks back to vibrant flavors and culinary traditions that are still woven into the thread of modern-day Mexican culture.

One of the best dishes to incorporate the tradition of edible insects is in one of our favorites: guacamole!

That’s right, jazz up your snack dip with some salty grasshoppers and crickets that’ll add flavor, protein and a pleasant crunch to every bite! This exotic guacamole is prepared traditionally and the chapulines are added at the end – grasshoppers are the most common.

It may surprise you to know that grasshoppers, maguey worms, Chicata ants and other edible insects contain several beneficial nutrients for the body. They’re rich in proteins, fatty acids and minerals, and are common to this day in several Mexican and Eastern cultures. This said, apart from being an exotic addition to guacamole, they’re also good for your health!

In Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, you can enjoy this exotic guacamole with added insects at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. An all-inclusive resort focused on luxury and hospitality that also boasts gourmet chefs who have a passion for Mexican history and traditional cuisine. They delight in serving up unique experiences for each of their guests. Dining at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is an experience for all 5 senses – a place to dive into the rich flavors, and enticing aromas of Mexico.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Mexican pre-Hispanic culture, try your next guacamole with edible insects, whether it be grasshoppers, ants or savory Maguey worms, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will prepare the guacamole right at your table so you can watch every step of the way.

Once prepared, it’s best to enjoy the guacamole with a tasty tequila or a smoky mezcal.

 
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