Oaxaca Cheese and the Mexican Market Quiz

Answer: Cow

Oaxaca cheese gets its name from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. While it is known as Oaxaca cheese elsewhere, it is simply called 'quesillo' by natives of Oaxaca. It is a semi-soft cheese that has a texture similar to string cheese and is good for melting. The process for making the cheese was brought into Mexico by Dominican monks.

Answer: Aguas frescas

'Aguas frescas' are made from a variety of different fruits or flowers. An example of an 'agua fresca' made from a flower is 'agua de jamaica', which is made using hibiscus flowers. Other common flavors include watermelon, lime, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, tamarind, and strawberry.

While these types of drinks can be found in other countries, the name varies from country to country. What is known as 'agua fresca' in Mexico, is usually called a 'fresco' in some Central American countries.

Answer: Maize and cacao

To make 'tejate', the maize is toasted and the cacao beans are fermented. Other ingredients for 'tejate' include mamey (a fruit native to Mexico) and 'rosita de cacao' (the flower from the funeral tree). After the ingredients are ground up, they are mixed with water by hand to form a sort of foam. This can be drunk as is or mixed with sugar syrup to sweeten it.

Answer: Caramel

'Dulce de leche' and 'cajeta' are very similar to caramel, but are made a bit differently. Caramel is usually made at higher temperatures, while 'dulce de leche' is made with a slower heating process using lower temperatures. The biggest difference between 'dulce de leche' and 'cajeta' is the milk used to make them. While 'dulce de leche' is made from cow's milk, 'cajeta' is made using goat's milk.

'Churros' are a type of pastry made from fried dough. While the exact origin of the 'churro' is unknown, they made their way to Mexico via the Spanish. 'Churros' are traditional in Portugal and Spain.

Answer: Grasshopper

'Chapulines' are more popular in certain areas of the state of Oaxaca. They are toasted before they are sold, and can sometimes be flavored with chili or a combination of lime, garlic, and salt. In addition to finding 'chapulines' at the market, you can sometimes find them served as a snack at sporting events.

Answer: Conchas

The word 'concha' is the Spanish word for 'shell'. 'Conchas' are perhaps one of the most popular types of 'pan dulce', and the sugared pattern on top of the bread comes in a variety of colors and flavors, but vanilla and chocolate are the most common.

'Pan dulce' can be eaten any time, but it is popular for breakfast. Unlike many traditional Mexican delicacies, 'pan dulce' did not originate in the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico since wheat was introduced to the Americas by the Europeans.

Answer: Vinegar

'Elotes' are served on a stick and can be topped with mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Some vendors will even sell a version of this corn in a cup, called 'esquite'. 'Esquites' are usually cooked in chicken broth, but they come with the same toppings as 'elotes'. 'Elotes' are popular as a street food in Mexico because, aside from being tasty, they are easy to eat on the go.

Answer: Nopales

'Nopales' can be cooked and served as a side dish, but they are also found in salads or cooked with eggs and meats. 'Nopales' are good sources of calcium, manganese, and Vitamin C. In the market, you can buy fresh, raw 'nopales' whole, or you can have them chopped or diced for you.

The word 'nopal' comes from the Nahuatl word for the plant and is used in Spanish to refer to the cactus and the edible cactus pads. The fruit of this plant is called a 'tuna' in Spanish and is also edible.

Answer: True

Like many Mexican snacks, 'chicharrones' are often eaten covered with hot sauce. While 'chicharrones' are usually made from pork or other animal fat, some street vendors sell the vegetarian versions. This version of 'chicharrones' has many different names, including 'duros' and 'churritos'. In their packaged varieties, they are often flavored with lime and chili.

Answer: Raspado

A 'raspado' is similar to shaved ice in its texture. Otherwise, the only difference comes in the flavor options available. In Mexico, tamarind, chamoy, lime, mango, grapefruit, and 'rompope' are just some of the flavors available. Also, some vendors even offer spicy versions of these flavors!