2. 2000 B.C. – 900 A.D. Nomadic hunters and gatherers Foods eaten: Corn tortillas Beans Fruits Fish Wild game

3. 1200 A.D. – 1520 A.D. Introduced several of the modern dishes still present today. Foods eaten: Chili Peppers, Honey, Vanilla, and Salt Salsa Avocados and Chipotle Tortilla Tamale Enchilada Chocolate

4. 1521 A.D. Had the most influence on Mexican cuisine Mixed their traditional food with the indigenous food. Foods eaten: Dairy products Livestock (sheep, cows, pigs) Herbs Sugar and Spice Rice

5. Influenced by traditional Spanish foods mixed with indigenous food ingredients. Enchilada Tomatillo Tamale Salsa Guacamole Moles Tacos Tostadas

6. Warm weather in many areas, although cooler in winter and at night Rainy season is great for crop growth Crops include: Maize (corn), avocado, chili pepper, pumpkin, vanilla, jicama. Climate and land vegetation contribute to crop support and growth.