Story of Taco Seasoning

The humble taco is what you’re probably most familiar with as a Mexican dish. Made with a wheat or a corn tortilla wrapped or folded up around a delicious filling, this is a convenient, portable dish. Some food historians argue that it was so portable and convenient in fact that it was invented in the silver mines of Mexico where workers needed quick foods that were both tasty and filling. Taquerías began to pop up across Mexico throughout the country in the late 1800s, when they were called “miner’s tacos” in all the literature describing the food. The taco is eaten with your hands and has a filling that can be made up of a variety of ingredients ranging from different types of meat to fully plant based.

It is agreed upon by food historians that the taco was invented in Mexico, and that it was the migrant women in Mexico City looking to sell their traditional foods for income that made the city a taco hub, but it was Mexican Americans living in the Southwestern United States who reinvented the dish and made it popular here in the United States. The first mention of a taco in the United States comes from a newspaper dated 1905. At the time, Mexican immigrants were arriving to help build railroads and work in the mines in the United States. At first, Mexican food was considered lower class and thought to be more of a snack or street food, but as second generation Mexican Americans began to advance economically in the years to come, businesses and the general public started paying more attention to Mexican food. Tacos became more widespread throughout the Southern United States and then thanks to Taco Bell, tacos became an extremely popular part of American fast food culture. It should be noted that unfortunately Taco Bell was not opened by a Mexican or a Mexican American, yet it still stands as a cultural beacon for what Mexican food looks like. Therefore much of the American public’s understanding of legitimate Mexican food is skewed and inaccurate.

Mexico went through a period of food transformation in the 1900s as well, as Lebanese immigrants made their way into the country and brought with them a love of shawarma. This is a Middle Eastern dish that is like a taco in construction, and so it fit in well with taco culture and was easily incorporated as a fusion food. Eventually these fusion tacos with lamb on tortillas were called “tacos arabes” or “Arab tacos.” Second generation Lebaese Mexicans would throw together pork, pineapple, chiles, and spices and the combination on a tortilla eventually became known as “Tacos al Pastor,” or “Al Pastor Tacos.”

Today, Americans have begun seeking out more authentic Mexican cuisine, especially closer to the Mexican border. Even the fusion tacos are becoming more popular here in the United States, and we continue to see more Mexican food becoming common in the standard American diet. This seasoning blend is perfect for those who want a taste of an authentic Mexican taco but don’t want to step too far outside of their comfort zone. This is a standard Taco Seasoning blend and it has an incredible amount of good flavor.

What’s in it?

Our Taco Seasoning is hand blended with chili powder, paprika, onion, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, and Mexican oregano.

Flavor Profile

Taco Seasoning is a savory spice blend with a bit of sweetness to it. You will notice the garlicky flavor right away, and that is followed by a warmth that is complemented by the spicy taste of the cayenne. This blend is spicy but not overwhelmingly so, making it perfect for those who are just delving into the world of homemade tacos.

Where to Use

For a quick taco recipe, brown your favorite meat and then add 8oz of water and 4 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning for every pound of meat to the skillet. Turn it down to a simmer and let it stand for about ten minutes, a period of time where your mixture will start to thicken up around the meat. Once it’s cooked, serve in a tortilla immediately! Add your favorite toppings to finish off the dish. Taco Seasoning can also be used in bean dishes, on fajitas, in taco casseroles, in chip dips, on salads, sprinkled over nachos, in chili, scrambled eggs, and soups.

We like to use Taco Seasoning on Sweet Potato and Black Bean Nachos, Taco Stuffed Zucchini, Taco Casserole, Mexican Cornbread, Vegetarian Chimichangas and Taco Pizza.

Read More

The Culinary Regions of Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Where Did the Taco Come From?
Intro to Authentic Mexican Cuisine