During a pandemic such as the COVID-19 pandemic or economic recessions, taquerias and Mexican restaurants can still operate due to its adaptable nature, says an article.

The First Tacos in the U.S.

One of the first accounts of tacos being mentioned in the media in the U.S. was when El Fronterizo, a newspaper in Tucson, Arizona, printed in its daily edition the phrase 'echando tacos' in correlation to eating tacos in 1887.

The Corn Tortilla

The corn tortilla is the origin of the taco, says José R. Ralat, a Texas Monthly taco editor. Ralat is also the author of American Tacos: A History and Guide, which was just launched on April 15.

According to Ralat, Mexican creation tales reveal that people from Mexico were formed from corn. Ingredients put on a corn tortilla are treasured and sacred meals. It is a significant part of the national identity of Mexicans, he added.

Everything Taco

Currently, the taco remains as a Mexican invention. For a lot of people living in the Southwestern part of the U.S., especially in California and Texas, this has become a source of regional pride.

According to Ralat, the three main ingredients of a taco are the tortilla, the filling, and its salsa. He claims that the taco represents its own time and space. It means that there are records in the history of codified tacos, he added.

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A Fast and Versatile Dish

Tacos fast and versatile characteristic makes it a good food source for busy workers, laborers, and city employees. Over the years, the taco had transformed into a dish that a lot of people had grown to love.

Ralat says that a taco worth $5 is good to get the taco made with high-quality ingredients. The adaptability and versatility of the taco allow a good number of filling options for tortillas.

World-Class Elevation of Tacos

 In the United States, specifically, the chefs in Los Angeles, such as Roy Choi, had elevated the taco by infusing various flavors from different cuisines.

According to Ralat, there is a need to understand the tradition, history, and flavor profiles of ingredients to determine which ones fit perfectly in a tortilla.

The 1980s and 1990s history inspire Roy Choi's tacos. It was the time when Koreans and Mexicans lived alongside each other in the southern part of California. The ingredients used in making a taco depends on the shifts in population, the availability of ingredients, and the taste preference of the people who are going to consume the food.

Taco's adaptive nature had made it an American favorite. The taste preferences of the people are affected by a global level in the community. The country had become a melting pot touched by many culture and ethnicities that makes up the entire population.