China to be honored guest at 35th Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato
Veracruz's Vanilla
On June 26th, the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C.
hosted one of Patricia Jinich's cooking
demonstrations. For this special occasion, Jinich, a
cooking instructor and food writer, prepared delectable dishes from the state
of Veracruz, one of Mexico's
leading culinary centers and showcased one of Mexico's leading ingredients to the
gastronomical world: the vanilla spice.
After listening to traditional Son Jarocho
music performed by the innovative ensemble Son de Madera from Veracruz, participants enjoyed Jinich's
stories about the origins, essence, and uses of vanilla, a spice that
originated in Veracruz.
Vanilla is derived from the bean or pod of delicate orchids and cherished for
its fragrant aroma and matchless flavor. After one of her entertaining
demonstrations, the guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner paired with
selected wines, followed by coffee from La Parroquia.
In Veracruz,
from July 7th through the 12th, the celebration of Veracruz a la Vainilla was held. This festival gathered well-known
chefs from Switzerland, Egypt, Spain,
France and Italy to talk
about different uses and trends related to this spice and their culinary
traditions. The Spanish Chef, Jose Torreblanca
Garcia, who is known as the best confectioner in Europe and who also
participated in this event, said that the vanilla from Veracruz is one of the most solicited in his
country and called it "the best in the world."
Also, an international contest between students of different culinary
institutes was held in order to promote the creativity of new generations. And
finally attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a special tour to Papantla, a magical town, as well as the beach in Costa
Esmeralda. This event will be held again next year from May 26th through the
29th.
