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September 2002


Hispanic American
Influence on the
U.S. Food Industry

Selected References Prepared
in Commemoration of the
USDA Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebration, September 15 -
October 15, 2002



Dorothy Heise, Research Librarian, USDA, Agricultural Research Service,
DC Reference Center of the National Agricultural Library


Hispanic American Influence on the U. S. Food Industry


Across the country, U. S. consumers are seeing a large selection of Hispanic foods in restaurants and grocery stores. What has caused the increased interest in Hispanic foods? One reason is the fast-growing Hispanic population in this country, and the influence Hispanic spending patterns have had on the food industry.1.

When discussing "Hispanic-Americans", we typically include Spanish-speaking people of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and other Spanish-speaking countries. The three largest Hispanic groups in the United States are Mexicans (more than 60% of the Hispanic population), Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. By the year 2005, the Census Bureau projects that Hispanics will surpass non-Hispanic African Americans as the nation's second-largest race/ethnic group behind only non-Hispanic whites. 2.

Hispanic purchasing power has influenced the marketplace. Hispanic shoppers spend more on food purchases because their families are usually larger. Hispanic families are more likely than other families to prepare and serve food at home.1.; 3.

Food plays an important role in the Hispanic culture. In some Hispanic cultures, the people believe that foods, herbs, illnesses, and bodily states are characterized by degrees of "hot" and "cold." A good meal will be balanced. Those who eat foods whose temperatures are wrong for them can get sick. A good appetite is associated with good health. Children are not forced to eat foods that they resist because their preferences are respected. As a mother or grandmother observes that a food causes an illness, she will withhold it from her children's diet. A list of harmful foods is passed along from generation to generation, with other food beliefs, from mother to daughter.4.

Hispanic shoppers look for fresh and authentic fruits, vegetables, and other foods in supermarkets. Younger Hispanic shoppers do not necessarily restrict their food selection to foods from their country of origin. The market is not static.3.

One market which has seen change is the dairy industry. Growing ethnic diversity, particularly an increase of Hispanics, may decrease per capita consumption of dairy products by U. S. consumers. The California dairy industry has attempted to change the attitude of Hispanics toward milk by launching a program aimed at Latino mothers and grandmothers. In the "Family, Love and Milk " ad campaign, key elements included celebrating the traditions of milk recipes in Hispanic cooking.5.

To understand different Hispanic-American food consumers, we must first look at the diversity of Spanish cuisines.

Hispanic Cuisine


Hispanic cuisine varies from region to region, from town to town, and from family to family. Although there are foods that are enjoyed by many Hispanic families, regional variations in heat, spiciness, pungency, and sweetness make it difficult to define what "authentic" Hispanic cuisine is. For example, sofrito, the cooking sauce used to flavor beans, rice, fish, and stews, can vary in flavor depending on the region responsible. The Spanish sofrito is sweet and made with tomatoes, while the Puerto Rican sofrito is pungent and made with cilantro (Erynguim foetidum), and the Cuban version is mild and made with parsley.6.

Certain Hispanic groups prefer certain types of foods. Mexicans favor corn and amaranth. South Americans favor wheat, quinoa, and potatoes. Rice is preferred by Hispanics from the Caribbean and coastal regions of Latin America.7.

According to figures derived from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, U.S. consumers of Mexican descent eat the greatest amount of dry beans (almost 34 pounds per capita) compared to non-Hispanic whites who consume only six pounds per capita.8.

Different Hispanic cultures prefer different beans. Cubans, Southern Mexicans, Central Americans, and Venezuelans use black beans in their cooking. Northern Mexicans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans use pinto or pinta beans. Cubans, Central South Americans, and Hispanic Caribbeans use red kidney beans. Puerto Ricans and Dominicans also use pigeon peas. Chick peas or garbanzo beans are popular with Venezuelans and Brazilians.

Not all Hispanic foods are hot. Cooks from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic use more oregano, tomato, garlic and black pepper than chilies to flavor dishes. If chilies are used, they tend to be the mild varieties.

Yucca, also called yuca, manioc, or cassava, is preferred in Hispanic cooking like the potato is in North American cooking. Because it absorbs little oil when fried, a company in Florida promotes its yucca chips as a healthy alternative to potato chips. Toasted manioc flour, called farofa, is a must on the Brazilian meal table.

Food preparation techniques of the Hispanic regions vary as well. Tortillas are prepared differently in different Spanish-American cultures. Some Mexican cooks put the corn through a lime bath to prepare masa harina. Venezuelans pre-cook the corn through a special process to yield harina pan, giving the tortilla a different texture. In areas of Mexico where more wheat than corn is cultivated, cooks prepare flour tortillas.

Some Hispanic foods have a European influence. In Spain, the cuisine is as varied as the country. Regional influences include Moorish (using spices, herbs and oranges), the north of Spain (hearty dishes, sausages, beans), east coast of Spain (pastas, risoto, paella), the interior of Spain (roasts, lamb, suckling pig), and Madrid (seafood and shell fish).

There are regional influences in "Mexican-American" foods. For instance, in Texas you find more beef, cumin-infused beef gravy, and anchos and jalapenos. In Arizona, you see burritos and chimichangas made with dried, shredded beef, and seasoned with chilies. In New Mexico, the preferred meat is pork, and they use both fresh (green) and dried (red) chilies. "Tex-Mex" restaurants are more likely to grind their meat than shred it. Many restaurants serve their dishes in casseroles rather than in tortillas.

Mexican food (often confused by Americans with "Tex-Mex" food) is one of the most popular ethnic foods in this country. Most of what we see in Mexican-American restaurants is derived from Mexican recipes that have been adapted using cooking techniques and ingredients common to U. S. Southwestern style cooking that combines Mexican, Native American, Asian and European influences.

"Nuevo Latino", also called Nuevo York, New California, or Floribbean, encompasses foods from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It is characterized by a mixture of several nationalities, and is often referred to as traditional Latin American cooking with an American twist. This style of cooking typically uses finer cuts of meat and modern American cooking methods. "Pan Latin" cooking, a combination of several Latin regional cooking styles, is also gaining in popularity in the United States.

As you can see from this short introduction to Spanish cuisine, it involves more than the tortilla-based specialties like enchiladas, tacos, and tamales we see at fast-food chains all over America. Hispanic Americans have made their foods mainstream food service menu items. From salsa to plantains to fruit-based beverages and flan, Hispanic American foods have become very popular among all Americans. Restaurant chefs play an important role in popularizing Spanish-American food choices. More and more, food chains, food manufacturers, and grocery chains in the United States are adding to the number of foods that have a Spanish flavor. 9.

A number of databases, including the National Agricultural Library's AGRICOLA database, were searched in order to produce this product. The National Agricultural Library is one of four national libraries and the principal source in the United States for information about food, agriculture, and natural resources. The library is part of the Agricultural Research Service, the U. S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.

Those articles and other materials that have an NAL Call Number are available at the National Agricultural Library. Others may be obtained through most public or academic libraries or through Interlibrary Loans.

With this bibliography, we hope to portray a small sampling of articles and books showing the influence that Hispanic Americans have on the U. S. food industry and gain a clearer understanding of this diverse culture.

References:

1. "A Growing Market: Expenditures by Hispanic Consumers." Monthly Labor Review, March 1998, p. 3.

2. We the American Hispanics. U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Service, Bureau of the Census, September 1993. 10 p. Available at:
http://www.census.gov/apsd/wepeople/we-2r.pdf

3. "America's Changing Appetite: Food Consumption and Spending to 2020." Noel Blisard et al. FoodReview, Vol. 25(1), 2002, p. 3.

4. Hispanic Foodways, Nutrition, and Health. Diva Sanjur Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995, p. 42-45.

5. "California Milk Processor Board 'Got Milk?' Hispanic Program." R L Public Relations. The Hispanic PR Monitor, Vol. 1(6), March 2002, p. 4-5.

6. "Designing for the Hispanic Market." Susheela Uhl. Food Product Design, March 1996. 4 p. Available at: http://foodproductdesign.com/archive/1996/0396PR.html


7. 1994-96, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2000.
[Table Set 16: "Food and Nutrient Intakes by Individuals in the United States by Hispanic Origin and Race, 1994-1996."] Available at:

http://www.barc.usda.gov/bhnrc/foodsurvey/Cd98.html

8. The U.S. Dry Bean Market In 2001/02. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 2002. Available at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/drybeans/DBMarket02.pdf


9. "Ethnic Flavors Ride a Heat Wave." Laura A. Brandt. Prepared Foods, Vol. 168(3), March 1999, p.41



Hispanic American Influence on the U.S. Food Industry

"America's Taste Heads South ...of the Border."
Food Product Design, September 2001, 13 p. Available at: http://www.foodproductdesign.com/archive/2001/0901cs.html
U.S. consumers are finding a large selection of Hispanic-inspired foods and ingredients. Hispanic food choices are varied.

"Cuisine That Is Out of This World." The National Provisioner, November 2001, 3 p. Available at: http://www.thenfl.com/news/national.asp
Discusses the Hispanic influence on various food industries, especially the meat industry.

"Ethnic Differences in Household Expenditure Patterns." J. X. Fan. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, Vol. 26(4), June 1998. p. 371-400. NAL Call No.: TX1.H63
Hispanic household are more likely to have expenditure patterns dominated by shelter, food, and utilities than by health-care, and service, other things being equal. The results of this study show how ethnicity affects a household's economic behavior.

"Evaluation of the Southwest Food Frequency Questionnaire." D. Taren et al. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, Vol. 38(6), 2000, p. 515-547. NAL Call No.: TX341.E3
The Southwest Food Frequency Questionnaire is a means to collect data on dietary information for the Southwest region of the United States Hispanic and non-Hispanic subjects were studied.

"Factors Affecting Selection of Restaurants by Anglo- and Mexican-American Families." J. Elder, et al. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol. 99(7), July 1999, p. 856-858. NAL Call No.: 389.8 Am34
Explores the differences in consumer behavior between Anglo- and Mexican-American families.

Mexican Food Market U.S. Report. Mintel International Group, Ltd. April 23, 2002. 113 p. Available for purchase at: http://www.marketresearch.com/
This report tracks Mexican food sold through mainstream channels. It examines the hypothesis that sales of Mexican foods will continue to grow because of the increased Hispanic population in the United States.

"New Mexico's Colonial Agriculture." Marc Simmons. Palacio, Vol. 89(1), 1983, p. 3-10.
Comments on crops introduced to New Mexico and the Pueblo Indians by the Spanish. Mentions agricultural methods and tools.

"Run to the Supermarket and Pick Me Up Some Cactus: Food Giants Discover Hispanic Market." L. Zinn. Business Week, June 20, 1994, p. 70-71.
American food giants are discovering that the U.S. Hispanic market is a potential gold mine. According to Census Bureau projections, the Hispanic population is expected to grow to 31 million by 2000. With the market already set to pass 26 million this year, companies are shipping more products from Latin America.

Southwestern Cookery, Indian and Spanish Influences. Louis Szathmary. New York: Arno Press, 1973. 264 p.
NAL Call No: TX15.S9 1973

Hispanic Consumers and Market Trends

Cooking and Coping Among the Cacti.
Food and Nutrition in History and Anthropology, Vol. 13, 1998, 130 p.
This research project is a nutritional anthropological study of life in several small villages outside of Hermosillo, Mexico in the capital of the state of Sonora. The study explores socio-cultural aspects of food consumption, and the nutritional status of the villagers.

"Diet Diversity in Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans and Puerto Ricans." L. K. Khan and R. Martorell. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, Vol. 36(5), 1997, p. 401-415. NAL Call No.: TX341.E3
Study shows that foods consumed by Hispanic Americans lack variety, and puts them at risk for certain diseases.

"Diet, Nutrition, and the Hispanic Client." J. C. Rodriguez. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 9(2), March 1994, p. 28-39. NAL Call No.: RM214.T66

Food and Nutrient Intakes by Individuals in the United States, 1994-96. Vol. 2. Hispanic Origin and Race, and Region. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, NFS Report No. 96-3, August 2000. NAL Call No.: aTX360.U6-F66-2000
Contains estimates of food and nutrient intakes by Hispanic individuals in the United States from 1994-96. A continuing survey taken by the USDA of food intakes by individuals.

"Food Choices in Three Ethnic Groups: Interactions of Ideals, Identities, and Roles." C. M. Devine et al. Journal of Nutrition Education, Vol. 31(2), March/April 1999, p. 86-93. NAL Call No.: TX341.J6
Ethnicity is one of the many factors that play a role in food choices. This project examined how ethnicity was enacted in food choices among 86 adults in one U.S. city, of varying ethnic identity (Black, Latino, and White).

Food Consumption Patterns of the Hispanic Community in the United States. Bruno Antonio Lanfranco. University of Georgia, Thesis (M.S.) 1999. 102 leaves.
Award-winning thesis on Hispanic food consumption patterns.

Handsome Dividends: A Handbook to Demystify the U.S. Hispanic Markets. Siobhan Nicolan et al. New York/Washington, DC: Hispanic Policy Development Project, 1994. 222 p.
It makes good sense to invest in the Hispanic market. Despite increasing buying power, very few advertising dollars are spent targeting the Hispanic market. This study contends that business has not exploited its opportunities because there is a fundamental lack of understanding about the Hispanic consumer. The report includes many supporting data, and provides information on the top 25 Hispanic markets [U.S. cities].

The Hispanic Consumer: Attitudes, Buying Behavior and Purchase Drivers A Special Report. Thomas Opinion Research for the International Dairy, Deli, Bakery Association. Washington, DC: The Association, 2000. 97 p.
Findings of a research study on consumer behavior among Hispanics. The Hispanic market offers opportunities for the food industry, especially for supermarkets, which can offer catering services, traditional foods, and other services that cater to Hispanic traditions and festivals.

Hispanic Foodways, Nutrition, and Health. Diva Sanjur. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995. 336 p.
Reviews the sociodemographic data, migration patterns, and economic, health, and nutritional situations of Hispanic peoples in the United States. Discusses ethnic food habits and diets of Hispanic segments of the population.

Latin and Caribbean Grocery Stores Demystified. Linda Bladholm. Los Angeles: Renaissance Books, 2001. 211 p.
Describes the ingredients used, an overview of Latin cuisine, and culture, and includes recipes. Shoppers who are unfamiliar with foods found in the Latin and Caribbean grocery stores will find this a useful resource.

"MEXCARIBEFOODS--A Region of Food Resources with a Future." M. Munoz-de-Chavez, et al. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, Vol. 13(4), August 2000, p. 699-703. NAL Call No.: TX501.J68
In the special issue: Third International Food Data Conference.
Data was collected and entered into a computer database of the chemical composition of many fruits, vegetables, and edible insects that are regional food sources in Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The most common foods eaten in each country were defined using available surveys and visiting markets. The printed table is available through an e-mail and Internet service.

Profile of the U.S. Hispanic Grocery Shopper. Food Marketing Institute; Strategy Research Corporation. Washington, DC: Research Department. Food Marketing Institute, 1998, 42 p.

Socioeconomic Status and Eating Patterns of Mexican-Americans: The Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) 1982-1984. Jacqueline Renee Abels. MA Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1991. 170 leaves.

Understanding Hispanic Customers. Isabel Valdes. Ithaca, NY: American Demographics, 1991, 15 p.
Describes Hispanic households in California showing different stages of acculturation. The researchers asked questions of Latinos in shopping centers, and followed up with in-home interviews. The article explains basic differences between Hispanic and American middle-class values, and discusses ways to communicate to Hispanics.

Hispanic Culture and Traditions

Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. Edward James Olmos et al. Boston: Little Brown and Co., 1999. 176 p.

Autumn Memories: My New Mexico Roots and Traditions. Marie Oralia Duran Triejillo. Pueblo, CO: El Escritorio, 1999. 120 p.

Barrios and Borderlands: Cultures of Latinos and Latinas in the United States. Edited by Denis Lynn Daly Heyck. New York: Routhledge, 1994, 485 p.
Compilation of fiction, poetry, excerpts from novels, and photos in chapters. A special feature of the anthology is that it includes interviews and oral histories of Latinos from diverse walks of life and geographical areas. The cultures studied in this book include Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban.

Beginnings and Evolution of the Mexican-American Hispanic Communities in Dallas County: People, Places, and Folklore. Alexander M. Troup. Dallas, TX: M. Troup & Associates, 1998. 247 p.

A Book of Feasts: Recipes and Stories from American Celebrations. Kay Goldstein and Lisa Nelson. Atlanta, GA: Longstreet Press, 1993, 163 p.
Festivals celebrated in America along with stories and recipes for some of the traditional foods.

Cajun and Creole Food Practices, Customs and Holidays. Colette Guidry Leistner. Chicago: American Dietetic Association; Alexandria VA: American Diabetes Association, 1996. 40 p.
Information on Cajun and Creole food habits and health benefits. Includes popular and traditional recipes.

A Celebration of Culture: A Food Guide for Educators. Sacramento, CA: Dairy Council of California, 1994, 18 p. Available at: http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/edu/images/culturalguidewholedoc.pdf
Provides educators with information they can use in the classroom to reinforce the food choices of students in the context of their own culture. The ethnic groups are Hispanic, African-American, Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Additional resources include suggested enrichment activities and information on common nutrition questions teachers ask. The guide is free, and can be downloaded in PDF format at the web site above.

Celebracion: Recipes and Traditions Celebrating Latino Family Life. Regina Cordova and Emma Carrasco. Collingdale: DIANE Publishing Co., 1999. 214 p.

Chorizos, Beans, and the Other Things: A Poetic Look at the Basque Culture. Trisha Clausen Zubizarreta. Boise, ID: Lagun Txiki Press, 1987. 74 p.
Poems about the Basque country and family members.

The Cuban American Family Album. Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. 127 p.
Written for teen-agers, the author collected interviews, excerpts from diaries and letters, newspaper accounts, profiles of famous people, and pictures from family albums to portray the Cuban-American experience.

Cultural and Ethnic Food and Nutrition Education Materials: A Resource List for Educators. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library, August 2001. 47 p. Available at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/ethnic.html
A compilation of background materials about the customs and cultural influences of various ethnic groups. This publication includes information on developing multicultural skills. Resources listed are intended for the use of teachers and nutritionists.

Cultural Diversity: Eating in America Fact Sheet - Mexican American. Marisa Warrix. Ohio State University Extension. Available at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5255.html
A fact sheet about eating habits, practices, food preferences, preparation techniques, customs, and traditions of Mexican Americans.

Cultural Diversity: Eating in America Fact Sheet Puerto Rican. Cheryle Jones Syracuse. Ohio State University Extension. Available at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5257.html
A fact sheet about eating habits, practices, food preferences, preparation techniques, customs, and traditions of Puerto Rican families.

Cultural Foods: Traditions and Trends. Pamela Goyan Kittler and Kathryn P. Sucher. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning, 2000, 531 p. NAL Call No.: TX725.A1K545 2000
Explores the cuisine of Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, Asian Indians, and other peoples. Chapter 6 is on Latinos (p. 189-240).

Ethnic Foodways in Minnesota. University of Minnesota. Available at: http://www.agricola.umn.edu/foodways/
Contains cross-cultural information on the meanings of foods in Hispanic cultures, among other ethnic groups.

Food and Life of Oaxaca: Traditional Recipes from Mexico's Heart. Zarela Martinez and Anne Mendelson. New York: Macmillan, 1997. 342 p.
A cultural study disguised as a cookbook. Chefs new to Mexican cuisine will find the glossary of ingredients very helpful.

"Food in American History. 1. Maize." L. Grivetti. Nutrition Today. Vol. 36(1), January/February, 2001, p. 20-28.

"Guide to Common Cultural Foods." Constance J. Betterley. Food and Nutrition (Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University, University Extension), NP-168, May 2001. 67 p. NAL Call No.: TX725.A1 B48 2001
Foods represented are all plant-based food. They provide a representative sample of the wide variety of unique foods found in many cultural food patterns throughout the world which have found their way to the United States. Included primarily are Latino, Southeast Asian, and African American foods. Information about nutrient content and calories per serving, etc. is provided.

Handbook of Hispanic Culture of the United States. Alfredo Jimenez, editor. Houston: Arte Publico Press, 1993 (Vol.1: History). 339 p.
An encyclopedia of Hispanic culture in the United States, largely written by Hispanics. Indicates the nature and scope of Spanish cultural traditions. It begins with early explorers and takes you through modern periods of U.S. history.

"Hispanic Grandmothers Preserve Cultural Traditions and Reduce Foodborne Illness by Conducting Safe Cheese Workshops." R.A. Bell et al. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol. 99(9), September 1999, p. 1114-1116. NAL Call No.: 389.8Am34

Hispanic American Material Culture: An Annotated Directory of Collections, Sites, Archives, and Festivals in the United States. Joe Stanley Graham. New York: Greenwood Press, 1989. 257 p.

Look What We've Brought You From the Caribbean. Phyllis Shalant. Parsippany, NJ: Julian Messner, 1999, 48 p.
Introduces the culture of the Caribbean area using crafts, games, recipes, stories, and other activities. Relates information about agricultural products, festivals, and traditions of the region. Suitable for middle school age children.

The Mexican American Family Album. Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. 128 p.
Written for teen-agers, this book is a record of generations of Mexicans who made the journey from the old country to a new life in the United States, told in their own words and photographs.

Mexican-American Folklore. John O. West. Little Rock: August House, 1988. 314 p.
This is a comprehensive look at the Mexican-American world. It includes proverbs, riddles, folksongs, customs, and traditions.

Mexican American Food Practices, Customs and Holidays. J Algert et al. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association, 1998, 30 p.
Provides information on traditional dietary practices and food customs of Mexican Americans. Given their varied backgrounds, not all Mexican Americans are exposed to the same diabetes-related health risks and conditions. The level of acculturation to American cultural beliefs and values is thought to have a major influence on the dietary practices and health of Mexican Americans. When counseling these patients on dietary practices and food choices, we should emphasize the traditional choices of Mexican foods that can contribute to health and longevity.

Multicultural Pyramid Packet. Cheryl L. Achterberg, University Park, PA: Penn State Nutrition Center, Pennsylvania State University, 1996. 1 vol. (unpaged). NAL Call No.: TX360.U6A24 1996
This packet of educational materials provides educators with a blueprint of foods eaten by various peoples, including Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans.

Puerto Rican Foods and Traditions. Janina M. Czajkowski. Storrs, CT: University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension Service, 1971. 9 p.
NAL Call No.: TX360.P9C6

The Taste of American Place: A Reader on Regional and Ethnic Foods. Barbara G. Shortridge and James R. Shortridge, editors. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 1998. 298 p.
Compilation of articles on the culture and ethnicity of American food. The articles are based on folklore and social history.

A Travel Guide to Basque America: Families, Feasts and Festivals. Nancy Zubiri. Reno, NV: University of Nevada Press, 1998. 576 p.
First ever guide to America's little known, but thriving Basque-American communities. It is a celebration of the rich heritage, cultural traditions, foods and hospitality of the Basque people.

The Traveler's Guide to Latin American Customs and Manners. Elizabeth Devine and Nancy L. Braganti. New York: St. Martin's Press. 239 p. NAL Call No.: F1408.29.D4 1988
Explains how to converse, dine, tip, drive, bargain, dress, and conduct business in South and Central America, including Mexico. Defines many Spanish words with pronunciations associated with foods and eating customs.

Understanding the Hispanic Culture. Ann W. Chutler. Ohio State University Extension. [no date.]
Available at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5237.html
A fact sheet highlighting Hispanic values, etiquette, rituals, celebrations, and eating habits.

Hispanic Foods -- Cooking

"Authentic Mexican Favorites." Processed Prepared Foods, Vol. 151(5), May 1982, p. 146. NAL Call No.: HD9000.1.F64
Several Mexican foods are undiscovered by Americans. Describes ethnic foods such as marinated fish, pipain (a stew made with poultry, meat or fish), chicken with cinnamon, pork cooked in orange juice, and bread pudding.

Babalu: Favorite Recipes from the World's Top Latin Chefs and Celebrities. Los Angeles, CA: General Pub. Group, 1998. 160 p.
This book features cuisine from Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, and other Latin countries. It contains recipes from Latin master chefs and celebrities using readily available ingredients.

The Basque Kitchen. Gerald Hirigoyen and Cameron Hirigoyen. New York: Harper Collins World, 1999. 208 p.

Bilingual Cooking = La Cocina Bilingue. Elizabeth M. A. Reid. San Diego: One EAR Press, 1991, 224 p.
Exotic recipes from Latin America. Written in English and Spanish on facing pages. Contains main dishes, salads, desserts, and more. Add to your knowledge of Spanish while cooking

Beyond Tacos: Mexican Cuisine. Regina Akers and Herb Weiner. Kitchen Wisdom Pub., 1984. 68 p.
A reasonably priced book of authentic Mexican recipes written in an easy to use format.

Chorizos in an Iron Skillet: Memories and Recipes from an American Basque Daughter. Mary Ancho Davis. Reno, NV: University of Nevada Press, 2001. 208 p.
The author recalls her family's traditions and history as she shares family recipes spanning several generations. Ancho Davis offers fascinating stories about the life and meals on a Basque ranch in the American West.

Cocina de la Familia: More than 200 Authentic Recipes from Mexican-American Home Kitchens. Marilyn Tausend with Miguel Ravago. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1997. 415 p.
The author traveled and interviewed hundreds of Mexican and Mexican-American cooks. With the help of Miguel Ravago, the author tells the stories of these cooks and presents their recipes.

Eating from the Earth: Celebrating Cultural Diversity. Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Nutrition Services, 1995. 56 p.
Celebrates cultural diversity through a collection of recipes from around the world.

The Hispanic Cookbook: Traditional and Modern Recipes in English and Spanish = La Cocina Hispano-Americana. Nilda Luz Rexach. Syracuse, NY: Carol Pub. Group, 1995, 191 p.
A bilingual cookbook of Hispanic-American cuisine. Combines American taste with Hispanic flavors such as annatto, plantain and sofrito.

Healthy Mexican Cooking: Authentic Low-Fat Recipes. 1st ed. Velda de La-Garza. Mankato, MN: Appletree Press, 1995. 241 p.
Discusses how to prepare traditional Mexican foods with few ingredients, practical preparation times, and moderate to low calories.

The Joy of Hispanic Cooking Celebre la Cocina Hispana. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, NIH Publication No. 95-3606(s), [1995]. 44 p. NAL Call No.: TX716.A1C45 1995
Healthy recipes in English and Spanish on facing pages compiled by the National Cancer Institute.

La Cocina New Mexican Cuisine. New Mexico Department of Tourism, 2002.
Available at: http://www.newmexico.org/culture/food.html
Dishes commonly identified with New Mexico reflect a blend of Hispanic and Native American cultures. Some typical dishes are described.

Mexican Family Cooking. Aida Gabilondo. New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1986.
385 p.
A well-known Mexican cook offers an array of ethnic dishes using readily available ingredients. The author relates the origins of dishes, and local lore and customs.

Mexico the Beautiful Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from the Regions of Mexico. Susanna Palazuelos and Marilyn Tausend. New York: Harper Collins, 1991. 256 p.
Recipes represent the vast regional dishes from all of the states of Mexico, many of which have been passed along by word of mouth. Well-known Mexican cooks have contributed their own special recipes to the book. Photographs and text accompany the recipes, exploring Mexico's dramatic history through its food.

Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen: Recipes and Techniques of a World-Class Cuisine. Rick Bayless, et al. New York: Scribner, 1996. 448 p.
The author offers translations of authentic Mexican dishes that preserve their authenticity. The author is an award-winning chef and teacher. Cultural background and cooking tips help the reader understand the preparations.

Southwest Flavor: Adela Amador's Tales from the Kitchen Recipes and Stories from New Mexico Magazine. Adela Amador. Santa Fe, NM: New Mexico Magazine, 2000, 128 p.
Recipes appearing in New Mexico Magazine and anecdotes about them. The book is arranged according to seasons. Her anecdotes take you back to her days growing up in New Mexico. Includes a glossary of food names and terms.

"A Taste of Paradise." A. Friedland. School Foodservice and Nutrition, Vol. 55(6), June/July 2001, p. 118-123. NAL Call No.: LB3475.A1S3
Influence of Caribbean cuisine with its classic seasonings and their most popular uses. Features "kid-friendly" Caribbean dishes with recipes.

Traditional Basque Cooking: History and Preparation. Jose Maria Busca Isusi. Reno, NV: University of Nevada Press, 1993. 212 p.
Presents the history of Basque food from prehistoric times to the modern age. Contains favorite recipes and information on the culture and cuisine.

Hispanic Foods -- Business Successes

"Diversity's New Flavor This Isn't Your Padre's Hispanic Community." Valerie Merchant. Time. Bonus Section, Vol. 158(11), September 17, 2001, 6 p.
Companies are changing with diversity programs targeted toward Hispanics.

"Hispanic Cheese: A Promising New Market for the Specialty Cheesemaker." Dairy Pipeline [University of Wisconsin], Vol. 3(4), December 1991, p. 1-4. NAL Call No.: SF274.U6U93

"Hispanic Market Is Attracting Attention." Tucson [AZ] Citizen, April 8, 2002, p. 1A.
This article profiles a new guide designed for businesses to help them better reach out to Hispanics.

"Hispanic Tastes Feed Businesses." Chuck Martin. The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 20, 2002. 4 p.
Available at: http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/03/20/loc_hispanic_tastes_feed.html
Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, grocery stores are stocking more of the favorite foods of Hispanics like prickly pear cactus and nopales. Entrepreneurs, most of them Hispanics, are opening up mercados and grocery stores that cater to Hispanics. Hispanic-owned stores thrive because the owners and clerks are familiar with popular Hispanic products and because they speak Spanish.

"Organic and Hispanic, These West Coast Chipsters Are Bagging Exports." Jill Lee. AgExporter, Vol. XI (12), December 1999. 3 p. Available at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/agexporter/1999/dec99.html
Hispanic family targets the overseas market to sell its organic chips. Nacho flavored chips are the number one best seller in Germany and England, followed by chili-lime. The family also sells its chips to Japanese customers.

"Strawberry Cooperative Becomes `The American Dream' for Salinas Valley (California) Chicano Farmworkers." G. Martin. Farmer Cooperatives, Vol. 44(12), March 1978, p. 10-11.
NAL Call No.: 166.2 N47.


Note: The citations in this publication were selected from:
  • AGRICOLA [premier database on United States agriculture]
  • American History and Life [database of historical information]
  • Readers Guide Abstracts [database of current popular journals]
  • Books in Print [database of book information]
  • WorldCat (OCLC First Search) [database of book information]

Page URL - http://www.nal.usda.gov/outreach/Hispanic_FoodBibl_All.html
UPDATED September 2002
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