Prompt Cast
The Evolution of Tacos in America
TLDR This podcast explores the history of tacos, from the invention of the tortilla to the recent popularity of authentic tacos in every major city in America. It also discusses the influence of different cultures on the creation of tacos, such as Lebanese immigrants who brought Tacos al Pastor to Mexico.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss their love for tacos and their research on the history of Mexican tacos and how they evolved in America.
05:41
The hosts discuss their love for tacos and the evolution of Mexican cuisine in America, highlighting the recent popularity and availability of authentic tacos in every major city.
10:47
Tacos are a recent creation in Mexican cuisine, but the tortilla, an essential component of a taco, has been around for thousands of years and is made from corn that has undergone a process called nyxtamolization, making it a nutrient-rich food.
15:57
Nixtamolization is a process that makes corn more nutritious and kills off harmful toxins, and when combined with beans, creates a complete protein.
21:22
The invention of the tortilla doesn't mean that tacos were invented yet, as tortillas were used for various purposes in Mesoamerican culture, such as using them as spoons or utensils.
26:55
The word "taco" most likely comes from the practice of wrapping food in a cloth napkin, similar to how explosive plugs were wrapped in fabric, and the term "taco" as a food first appeared in print in 1891.
32:45
Tacos al Pastor originated in Lebanon and were brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century, where they replaced lamb with adobo pork and added grilled pineapple, resulting in the tacos we know today.
37:49
In the 1940s and 50s, Los Angeles was segregated, but there were still plenty of places in East LA serving tacos, they just didn't feel the need to advertise it as a taco place to make it more approachable to non-Mexican customers.
44:13
Tacos in Los Angeles started to cater to non-Mexican and non-Central American palates, with Glenn Bell often credited with inventing the Americanized taco, although Mexican American immigrants were already creating tacos to cater to American tastes using readily available ingredients like ground beef.
49:40
Glen Bell learned to fry up tacos and make Tacos Dorados at the Meatla Cafe, which served as the basis for Taco Bell.
55:02
Glen Bell created the first Taco Bell in 1962 in Downey, California, which quickly became popular and expanded to 100 stores within five years.
01:00:19
The hosts share their favorite taco places in different cities, and a listener emails in to express how the podcast helps them fall asleep and feel connected to their old life before moving overseas.
Categories:
Society & Culture
