It may seem that the customs and traditions of the ancient Maya of Mexico are shrouded in mystery, but there are actually many parts of their culture which have been well-documented! One of these things is the diet which the Maya enjoyed; many of the foods they dined upon do, in fact, remain staples for people living in these areas today! These sensational foods and flavors may have their roots in ancient times, but they remain as delicious as ever and are still consumed today!

See which of your favorite foods were once consumed by the Maya;

Avocados and Guacamole

The avocado is the superfood right now; it’s on trend and it’s considered highly tasty, but this savory fruit has been a Big Thing in Mexico for centuries! The ancient Maya treasured the Avocado not just for its nutritional value, but also for it’s stunning flavor and smooth texture. Several different varieties of Avocado were enjoyed by the Maya; they created early versions of Guacamole by mixing avocado with chili, onion, and lime juice whilst todays recipes often include cilantro, garlic, and tomato as well.

Chocolate

The cacao tree has been a staple in the Mexican diet since the times of the ancient Maya, and so it should be no surprise whatsoever that chocolate as we know it today began in Mexico. The Maya believed that Cacao was sent as a blessing by the Gods; they used it for medicinal and dietary purposes, but also as a form of currency. They used to make ritual drink from the beans which was favored by the Spanish conquistadores; they added sugar and milk to it however, and it is in this form that it took Europe by storm as Hot Chocolate.

Corn Tortillas

Created using ground corn Masa and cooked on a traditional comal (wood-fired oven) these thick, rustic tortillas were hand made for centuries and played a huge part in the lives of the indigenous Maya. In fact, to this day these thick and satisfying tortillas are made and bought fresh across Mexico for tacos, enchiladas, and a number of other staple dishes.

Poc Chuc

This dish originates in the Yucatan Peninsula where meat was most often preserved with salt before the advent of refrigeration. The salty slow-cooked pork used in this dish is balanced with orange juice and vinegar to create a vibrant taste sensation. When topped with sautéed onions and cilantro, Poc Chuc has a tangy bite that is truly unforgettable; there’s a reason this is still the regions favored dish after all!

Tamales

No Mayan food is quite so revered in Mexico as tamales; these delicious treats are as versatile as they are satisfying. Tamales are made with corn masa and can be filled with chicken, pork, cheese, vegetables, and even sweet corn or fruits! This parcel is then wrapped in corn or banana leaf and steamed. Once ready they are unwrapped and smothered in various salsas before being consumed. Tamales are popular at all times of year, but have special significance at the holidays and during festivals. Tamales are perhaps the best example of an Ancient staple which has survive well into the modern period.

Traditional Breakfast

A typical Mexican breakfast will take into account the traditions and foods of the ancient Maya; breakfasts will consist of scrambled eggs, beans on the side, and some white cheese (queso blanco) as well as plenty of steaming hot tortillas held in a cloth lined basket to keep them warm. The drink of choice, of course, is freshly ground coffee made with locally grown and roasted beans.

As you can see the diet of the ancient Maya remains relevant to the cuisine of modern Mexico.