Being a foodie is a joy in itself, but being a Latina foodie takes the experience to another level because food from Latin America is some of the most delicious in the world. There’s no doubt about it, Latino cuisine is one of the best expressions of Latino culture and it’s a big part of our identity. Some people take their passion to another level so if you’re not sure if you’re a part of the extra club, here are 10 signs that you definitely are:
You will try anything once
One thing about Latina foodies is that they’re not afraid to try new things and explore flavors outside of their comfort zone. While this is often a characteristic of foodies from all over the world, Latino foodies are quite fearless. They will try anything at least once, no matter how strange, including bugs, which are a part of Latin American cuisine, and even fungus. Latino food can get quite strange and adventurous, so being a Latina foodie means you’re game for anything and everything.
Your spice cabinet is impressive
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Cumin, oregano, and achiote are just the beginning. Your spice cabinet is a treasure trove of flavors, and you know how to use your spices to make your food extra flavorful. Whether you’re making dishes from your particular country or trying your favorites from other Latin American cuisines, you’re a master when it comes to combining spices and enhancing all kinds of foods.
You know the power of a good salsa
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For you, salsa isn’t just a side dish or a fun addition to some of your meals, like tacos. No, no, you take your salsas seriously! And you know how to make many different salsas from all over Latin America. More importantly, you know how to pair them with the right food to get the most flavor out of your meals. You can whip up a fresh pico de gallo or a smoky chipotle salsa without breaking a sweat, and every meal is an opportunity to whip up some kind of salsa. Also, as a Latina foodie, you believe everything tastes better with a little heat.
Your family recipes are your most prized possessions
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Abuela’s and mamá’s handwritten recipes (if you’re lucky enough to have them in writing) are worth more than gold to you. You’ve learned their secret techniques, which have been passed down from generations, and you’re proud to carry that over to the next generation. From making tamales to perfecting arroz con pollo or making the best tres leches cake, the recipes you’ve inherited from your family are precious to you. They not only connect you to your Latino heritage and help you keep traditions alive, but they’ve also taught you to make delicious dishes and become the foodie you are today.
Avocado is your best friend
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Life without avocado (or lime) loses its shine, in your opinion, so there’s always at least one avocado at home. Not only that, as a Latina foodie, you’re an expert in recognizing perfectly ripe avocados just by touch. Plus, you can always find a way to add avocado to your meals in ways that complement the dish perfectly. Whether that’s by slicing, dicing, or mashing it to make guacamole or creamy sauces, you’re a master at making the most of your avocado.
Every celebration is a good excuse for a feast
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Latina foodies not only enjoy eating, they also enjoy cooking, and they place food at the forefront of any celebration. Whether that’s a birthday, a special holiday, a new promotion at work, or anything else, any excuse is good enough to make a small or large feast. As a Latina foodie, it makes you happy to gather your friends and family around a table to enjoy Latin American dishes.
You love street food as much as fine dining
Photo by Dan Rooney on UnsplashLatina foodies love street food as much as they love fine dining because street food is where the magic happens. While fine dining is a lovely experience, street food just feels more authentic and down-to-earth. Whether it’s tacos from a food truck, arepas or empanadas from a street vendor, or churros at a fair, you appreciate the art of street food because it’s bold and carefree. Not to mention delicious!
You have strong opinions about plantains
Photo by Eriel Ezequiel Reyes Saviñon on UnsplashSweet or savory, tostones or maduros, you take your plantains seriously and have certain preferences that aren’t up for discussion. Latina foodies know the perfect plantain ripeness for each type of dish and more than a couple of ways to cook them. Whether they’re fried, baked, boiled, mashed with butter and cheese, grilled, or caramelized, plantains make you happy, and they’re one of your favorite side dishes and ingredients to cook with.
Your pantry is always full of good stuff
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Black beans, rice, tortillas, and cornmeal are a few of the things that are always on hand in your home. As a Latina foodie, you’re always prepared for any craving, whether it’s a quick rice and beans dinner or more elaborate dishes like pabellón from Venezuela, chicken mole from Mexico, mofongo from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, pupusas from El Salvador, etc. If your pantry is a reflection of the Latino culinary traditions you love, there’s no denying you’re a foodie.
You know food is love
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For Latina foodies, cooking and sharing food is a love language. Feeding people is how you show you care, and you love introducing people to new dishes, especially if they’re not Latino and have a very narrow idea of Latino cuisine. From making a comforting bowl of caldo de pollo for a sick friend to baking a batch of alfajores just because you understand that food is good for the body and soul, you love sharing your culture, and food is your preferred vehicle.
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