Yucatan is known for offering some of the most delectable cuisines in all of Mexico since it envelops the history of the Mayan culture in each of its dishes and also holds a denomination of origin for its chile habanero declared by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). This designation guarantees the quality, characteristics, and properties of such an ancestral fruit.
Chile habanero transcends for its healing properties and is considered an aid in the treatment of colds due to its high content of vitamin C. It also strengthens the immune system, contains antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and thus prevent premature signs of aging, and even relieves headaches due to its anti-inflammatory power. Even though it is one of the hottest chili peppers on the Scoville scale, it is still favored by many when making sauces and complementing typical dishes of the region such as chiltomate, a dish prepared with chile habanero, onion, cilantro and tomatoes, resulting in a slightly sweet spicy sauce with a deep toasted flavor. Savoring the chiltomate is truly an experience that will take you back in time since this iconic Yucatecan cuisine was used by the Mayans to season their food. Chiltomate sauce is used to complement delicious typical Yucatecan dishes such as motuleño eggs, papadzul and poc-chuc, a traditional Mexican food.
By eating this fruit in addition to contributing to the preservation of this denomination of origin, you will be tasting chile habanero with the distinctive and exclusive characteristics of Yucatan. Mexico has a total of 16 denominations of origin which are protected by its Official Mexican Standard (NOM) made up of producers and specialists who monitor compliance with the rules of protection, sowing, and production.
Learn about the delectable gastronomy that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer on your next trip. You will be able to enjoy Mexican traditions through local activities where you will learn more about the history and will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious ancestral dishes of the region. You will also learn about the 16 denominations of Mexico through handcrafts, cooking classes, spa treatments, and a magnificent and colorful Mexican party.
So when visiting Yucatan, remember to try these culturally rich sauces made with authentic chile habanero!
Meyrilu Rodríguez