Mexican food is full of bold flavors, rich spices, and vibrant ingredients. That’s why we love it so much. While we often think about the spicy and savory flavors, there’s also the sweeter side. Often, those sweet and tangy flavors come from tropical fruit. And since we’re coming up on National Tropical Fruit Day on July 18th, we can’t think of a better time to explore those flavors and how we use them in Mexican food.

Let’s take a closer look at tropical fruits and flavors in Mexican food.

Salsa and Sauces

Salsa is a central element of Mexican cuisine, and tropical fruit adds a sweet touch to balance out the spice and heat of the other salsa ingredients. Mango salsa is the variety that most people know the best, but pineapple and papaya are also common. The sweet and tangy flavors, when combined with chili peppers, cilantro, lime, onions, and other ingredients, make a delicious addition to grilled meat, seafood, and tacos.

Beverages

Summer heat and spicy Mexican eats call for refreshing beverages, and tropical fruits are the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing. Aguas frescas are traditional beverages that blend water, sugar, and lime juice with tropical fruits, including watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, and mango. Cocktails also incorporate the flavors of tropical fruit. For example, the piña colada uses pineapple and coconut, and variations on the lime margarita use various tropical flavors.

Desserts

What better way to use the natural sweetness of tropical fruit than in desserts? Fruit salads, or ensalada de frutas, often use tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana, papaya, and mango. Sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors are the perfect way to cap off any meal.

Marinating and Grilling

Both grilling and marinading are techniques in Mexican cooking that infuse meat with incredible flavors. Tropical fruit, especially pineapple, are often the primary feature of these preparations. Not only is the flavor delicious, but the fruit itself helps to tenderize the meat. The enzymes in the fruit make the meat soft and tender while infusing it with sweet and tangy flavors.

Salads and Ceviche

Tropical fruit also adds a vibrant touch to lighter dishes like salads and ceviche. Bionico is a popular fruit salad that often includes chopped banana, melon, papaya, and berries. Topping it off with yogurt and granola makes for a delightful and refreshing treat. Ceviche uses the flavors of mango or pineapple to complement the delicate taste of seafood.

Enjoy the summer days with delicious Mexican food at Vallarta Restaurants. Visit us in Manchester and follow us on Facebook for updates!