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***[THE SPANISH - MEXICAN CONTRIBUTION]{.underline}***

***[BACKGROUND INFORMATION]{.underline}***

Mexicans have greatly contributed to our lives - culturally through
fiestas, clothing styles, decorations and architecture; and
environmentally through foods, agriculture, and ranching. Starting with
the arrival of Cortes in 1504, the Spanish and their successors made
incredible contributions to the new world. One significant contribution
was that of ranching. Can you imagine America without cowboys? Starting
with the conquistadors, the Spanish brought horses, saddles and ropes.
Not long after, the missionaries and other immigrants introduced cattle,
wheat, and many other foods.

The source of many traditional American foods originated from Spanish
imports. Not in the sense that the recipes are Spanish, but for the
ingredients. Take flour tortillas for example: without the Spanish
introduction of wheat into this area we might never have enjoyed
burritos or chimichangas. And how about chips and salsa?

Keep in mind that imported foods eventually used in American recipes
were not exclusive to the United States, but were imported on local
levels. The English or the Dutch may have been the first to import these
foods to other areas of the country.

A trip to the local supermarket will demonstrate just how immense the
Spanish and Mexican contribution is. The following chart contains only a
partial list of items that can be found:
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+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| **MEXICAN CUISINE**               |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| ***ITEM***                        | ***ORIGIN***                     |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Beef                            | > Cattle                         |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Bread                           | > Wheat                          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Pork Chops                      | > Pig                            |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Olives                          | > Olive tree                     |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Tortillas                       | > Wheat                          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Queso                           | > Milk - cows                    |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Cilantro                        | > Plant                          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Corn                            | > Plant                          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Chicken                         | > Chicken                        |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Salsa                           | > Vegetables                     |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Chips                           | > Corn                           |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Potatoes                        | > Root Crop                      |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Oats                            | > Grain Crop                     |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Onions                          | > Root Crop                      |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| > Rice                            | > Plant                          |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+

***[ACTIVITY]{.underline}***

**[Part I]{.underline}**

\- **Discussion**: Before, during or after lunch, explore and discuss
the different foods the students are eating. Where do these foods come
from? Can they trace the foods' **natural origins**? (*milk, cheese and
beef comes from a cow, and bread and cookies come from wheat*)

How about the foods' **cultural origins**? *(cows, sheep, wheat from
Spain, tortilla chips from Mexico, sugar from the Indies*) Are there any
foods that come from Mexico or are Mexican American?

Continue the discussion to include

dinner and other items.

\- **Assignment**: As a homework assignment, ask each student to take a
trip to the supermarket (or alternatively do their shopping from
advertisements) and write down at least five foods (not in the Mexican
food section) that are Mexican American.

**[Part II]{.underline}**

\- Using grocery store or coupon advertisements, have the students
augment their list from their assignment in **Part I**.

\- Using the students' lists, ask them to write down the **natural
origins** (bread from wheat, etc.) and if known, the **cultural
origins** (Spain, specific state of Mexico, etc.)

\- Discuss and brainstorm the students' findings.

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