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Aside from tamales having a very colorful history that dates back thousands of years to the ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas; aside from tamales being enjoyed in many parts of the world as a delicious, nutritious meal; and aside from hundreds of varieties of tamales existing in Mexico, alone, I'll bet there are still some things about tamales you just might not be aware of. Sit back, relax and enjoy some fanciful facts concerning the tamale that most people don't know--
Fun Fact #1:
Tamales, though almost 9,000 years old, didn't become introduced to America until the turn of the 20th Century. Migrant Mexican workers and African Americans would work side by side in cotton fields; and it was here that Mexicans shared their tamale favorites with their African-American co-workers. The African Americans, in turn, introduced the food to others who introduced it to others, etc . It took a while for the idea to spread throughout America, but once it did, vendors on the streets of larger cities such as New York and Chicago would sell their goodies to locals. The tamales being sold on the streets were affectionately dubbed, "Red Hots".
Fun Fact #2:
Preparing tamales isn't like grabbing a ready-made taco kit and whipping together some tacos for a quick family meal. The time it takes to create authentic, home-made tamales is time-intensive and traditionally involves an actual assembly line of family and friends. Preparing the meat, alone, can take hours, not to mention preparing every other ingredient. Many times, tamales are the highlight of Mexican and Latino holidays or special events where a tamale-making party becomes something very special to look forward to, and is referred to as la tamalada.
Fun Fact #3:
If one happens to be the wife of the United States President, you have access to any type of food imaginable. One such wife, Michelle Obama, happens to think tamales are pretty darn yummy. She loves this food so much that her husband jokingly warned guests at one of the White House's Cinco de Mayo celebrations that if one is wise, one will make sure he or she doesn't come between First Lady Michelle and her tamales. So step aside sushi, lobster tail, prime rib and seafood gumbo---tamales are at the top of the White House menu. In fact, Mrs. Obama seems to have her own version of tamales that she prepares in the White House kitchen on a regular basis--green chilies with Jack Cheese and hot chilie sauce.
In the same vein, if you happen to be in Texas, home of former President George Bush, you can visit Mother Shuckers Tamales! Or just visit them online at http://mothershuckerstamales.com
Fun Fact #4:
Though tamales originated from South American cultures, the ingredients have become varied and quite interesting depending on what country one might live in or visit. In some Central American countries, iguana is added as a delicacy; in Japan ahi tuna is a main ingredient with ponzu. Ahi tuna is a certain species found in tropical waters and ponzu is a thin, citrus-based sauce. If you happen to be in Shanghai, one can order tamales with roasted duck and bok choy which is an oriental white cabbage; and in case your next vacation takes you to Saudi Arabia, check out eateries where tamales contain chocolate and other goodies--topped with real flecks of pure gold!
Ah, yes, the tamale has certainly evolved since the days of Mayan traditions where ants, gopher meat, frogs and tadpoles, wild honey and bees, armadillos and even xulo--an ancient dog no longer in existence-- were packed inside as lip-smacking fillings. Moving right along....
Fun Fact #5:
If you happen to visit Newport Beach, California at any time, take a side trip to an art museum in the area that pays special tribute to the tamale. "And what is the name of the museum?" you might ask. It's The Tamale Museum, of course! Permanent exhibits at the museum delve into fascinating displays that depict Pre-Columbian cooking and ancient culinary methods for tamale preparation. One can even enjoy a hands-on activity and literally get a feel for how tamales are created from cornstalk to table.
Tamales--it's what's for dinner!
