by Lisa Fillers

Created on: September 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2008

The differences between authentic Mexican food and Tex-Mex food appears on the surface to be the use of spices not native to Mexico. Taking a deeper look into the difference in the two types of cuisine shows that they differ far more than adding a few new spices to authentic Mexican dishes. Authentic Mexican dishes are based on ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures, while Tex Mex dishes were created from a blend of cultures.

Many of the foods served in American Mexican restaurants, which we have come to greatly love, are really Tex Mex dishes, not authentic Mexican food. Some of these foods include fajitas, crispy tacos, nachos, and chili con carne. American Mexican restaurants also serve chips and salsa while we wait for our order to be taken and served. The spice that gives the salsa that special flavor is cilantro and it is not native to Mexico. Cilantro is used extensively in Tex Mex foods.

Tex Mex food is enormously popular in any area of the United States. Tex Mex cuisine began to develop in the border between Mexico and the United States while it was under Spanish control, beginning in 1598. This region also has its own form of the Spanish language and English language.

Cheddar cheese is the first cheese of choice in Tex Mex dishes. Also used in Tex Mex food is Monterey Jack and some American cheeses. Beef steak, ground beef, and chicken are the most frequently used meats in the Tex Mex cuisine.

Originally Tex Mex hybrids began with a mixture of European Spanish and the Native-American cuisines of the region. Families from the Canary Islands migrated into San Antonio, Texas, in 1731. When they arrived they brought with them a taste for Spanish and North African spices like cumin and cilantro which differ from those that would be popular in metropolitan Mexico. Some people believe Tex Mex Chili is a descendant of Moraccan stews, still slow cooked today, while others believe it orignated with cowboys working in the region.

The border area of Mexico and the United States is now part of the United States and has been for over 150 years. Prior to that it was Spanish for over 100 years, Mexican for fifteen years, part of an independent Texas for nine years, and was also part of the Confederate States of America for four years. The region developed its own cuisine through the influence of the ranching culture of Texas and the northern states of Mexico over a period of time due to these varying influences. San Antonio has long been recognized as the world capital of Tex Mex food.

Most of today's authentic Mexican food is based on ancient traditions of the Aztec and Mayan cultures combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists. Corn is a traditional staple grain but rice is equally important today. Chili peppers are a widely used spice for many of their traditonal dishes. The Spanish also introduced the use of beef and chicken into the Mexican cuisine, as well as garlic and onions. Prior to that fish and turkey were the main meats used. Goat cheese is used in the authentic Mexican dishes as well as some farmer's cheeses, such as Queso Fresco or Queso Oaxaca.

A variety of vegetables are used in authentic Mexican dishes. Among these vegetables are chili peppers, green peppers, chilies, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, corn, and radishes. Avocoda, guava, papaya, jicama, squash, sweet potato, pineapple, chocolate, and vanilla are also used. As you can see, there is a vast difference in authentic Mexican food and Tex Mex food but it is all quite delectable.

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