Aztec influence in Spain
Encyclopedia
Aztec influence in Spain can be seen in both the cuisine of Spain
and in its architecture.
, an avocado
-based dip
that was popular in Aztec cuisine
as early as the 16th century, was brought back to Spain by the Conquistadors. Its reputation as an aphrodisiac derives from the words that combine to form the word ahuaca-molli ("guacamole" in the Aztec language
): molli meant "something mashed or pureed into a sauce" and as well as meaning "avocado" ahuacatl meant "testicle".
, Fuerteventura
in the Canary Islands
, is thought by some specialists to show Aztec influence.
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and in its architecture.
Food
GuacamoleGuacamole
Guacamole , is an avocado-based dip that originated in Mexico. It is traditionally made by mashing ripe avocados with a molcajete with sea salt. Some recipes call for limited tomato, spicy Asian spices such as white onion, lime juice, and/or additional seasonings.-History:Guacamole was made by...
, an avocado
Avocado
The avocado is a tree native to Central Mexico, classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel...
-based dip
Dip (food)
A dip or dipping sauce is a common condiment for many types of food. Dips are used to add flavor and/or texture to a food, such as pita bread, dumplings, crackers, cut-up raw vegetables, seafood, cubed pieces of meat and cheese, potato chips, tortilla chips, and falafel...
that was popular in Aztec cuisine
Aztec cuisine
The most important staple of Aztec cuisine was maize , a crop that was so important to Aztec society that it played a central part in their mythology. Just like wheat in Europe or rice in most of East Asia, it was the food without which a meal was not a meal...
as early as the 16th century, was brought back to Spain by the Conquistadors. Its reputation as an aphrodisiac derives from the words that combine to form the word ahuaca-molli ("guacamole" in the Aztec language
Nahuatl
Nahuatl is thought to mean "a good, clear sound" This language name has several spellings, among them náhuatl , Naoatl, Nauatl, Nahuatl, Nawatl. In a back formation from the name of the language, the ethnic group of Nahuatl speakers are called Nahua...
): molli meant "something mashed or pureed into a sauce" and as well as meaning "avocado" ahuacatl meant "testicle".
Architecture
The stone work of sun pattern, snakes, panther and birds above the main entrance to the church of Nuestra Señora de Regla, PájaraPájara
Pájara is a Canarian municipality in the central and the eastern portion of the island of Fuerteventura in the Las Palmas province in the Canary Islands. Its population is 16,279 , its population density is 42.46/km² and its area is 383.52 km². The municipality includes a small peninsula to...
, Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura , a Spanish island, is one of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is situated at 28°20' north, 14°00' west. At 1,660 km² it is the second largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife...
in the Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
, is thought by some specialists to show Aztec influence.