Blue agave plantations in Jalisco, origin of Mexican tequila
They are many and varied uses that have been given to these plants that grow in arid and semi-arid zones . We can start with the most basic, feeding , as is the case of prickly pear It is consumed in multiple forms, whether in salads, jams, bread and as an accompaniment to meats. Its fruit is also edible. The tuna , with a sweet taste, can be consumed plain or in juices, ice creams or even as an alcoholic drink called Colonche or prickly pear wine . It has many qualities to which are attributed healing effects , there is even a humorous saying that says that "politicians are like the nopal: the more it is investigated, the more properties it has", that humor should not be lacking if we are talking about Mexico.
There are several kinds of drinks that can be obtained from another of these plants , calls succulents because its root, stem or leaves have thickened to allow water storage, we speak of the agave or maguey Undoubtedly the best known worldwide is the tequila, This liqueur is made from the fermentation of Blue agave , and can only be produced from plants that have been cultivated in the states that have Denomination of Origin. Jalisco and the border municipalities to the east of the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Nayarit.
From the same plant is also obtained the mezcal, This alcoholic beverage differs from tequila in that it can be produced from many kinds of agave and, depending on this and its distillation, can give rise to a wide variety. It is very typical of the states of Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, Durango and Guerrero. I had the pleasure of visiting the state of Oaxaca, I stayed at the Hotel Parador Crespo , located a few meters from the historic center of the city, offered us a package that included the mezcal route and in which we were also able to do a tasting . Do not trust even the mezcal creams: they are delicious but powerful. We also take the opportunity to visit the archaeological ruins of Mitla and Monte Albán and see the Craft Market , I was amazed by the beauty and joy that this city transmitted to me, without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have traveled to.
Nopal in Baja California
Henequen is another variety of maguey, from which a fiber is obtained with which they are manufactured ropes and rugs , its cultivation became massive in the state of Yucatan, it was formerly known as green gold for having brought much prosperity to this region. At the end of the 19th century its plantation was very intense, now that their crops do not have the same magnitude the haciendas have been remodeled and converted into luxurious hotels.
Another succulent plant worth mentioning is the aloe vera or aloe vera as it is known in this country. Although its use is not as traditional as those mentioned above, it is important since Mexico is the country with the largest cultivated area in the world , around 11,000 hectares, with very significant exports of live plants and cosmetics.
Not all uses of these plants had to be so mundane, and to show the peyote . This cactus with psychoactive properties is endemic to Mexico and a small area of the southern United States. Its use dates back to the time when Mesoamerica had not been conquered by Europeans and the tribes that inhabited these used it during their rituals . Today it is in danger of extinction, due to its slow growth and over-harvesting.
Mexico has known how to take advantage of these plants that adapt so well to its territory, we leave you some tips so that you can try them in Madrid and Mexico. If you can, get to know them, even if it's not to be left with the thorn:
Hotel
Hotel Parador Crespo , Oaxaca
Mezcalerías
The Countess's Apothecary ; Calle La Palma, 2. 634 01 57 58 Madrid the apothecary ; Mexico DF.
Yucatan Haciendas
Visit the old factories of Henequen now converted into luxurious hotels. Find a fantastic report on this at our next issue on sale on september 21, 'Merida blooms'.
the apothecary