The fifth of May is always cause for celebration. Whether you’re living in Puebla, Mexico, or in the USA, Cinco de Mayo brings to the party colorful costumes, Mariachi music, enthusiastic people and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Where there are city-wide Mexican-heritage activities, one can smell the aromas of barbacoa shredded beef simmering over an open flame, awash in cumin, garlic, cilantro and Mexican beer.
There’s nothing like an authentic beef taco or chicken enchilada smothered in cheese and more cheese. Just tasting that gooey street food sends Americans into ecstasy.
By now Mexican food has become so much a part of the American culture, that it would be hard to find a person who doesn’t find his way to a Mexican restaurant at least once a week or who doesn’t create his own version of a chimichanga in his own kitchen.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in a huge way in the state of Puebla, Mexico, which pulls out all the stops with parades and native costume-clad dancing girls, music, floats, flags, food and of course gun shots.
Mexican Americans see the day as a source of pride, but those who live in Puebla celebrate in remembrance of a day when the Mexican army won an unlikely victory with only antiquated rifles, machetes and shovels over French forces (Napolean III’s army considered at the time to be the best in the world) at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The retelling of the great upset may be cause for much revelry, but the tasting of the luscious cuisine is even better.
For most of the population, guacamole, queso sauce and margaritas are what Americans love about this date in history. But for vegans, vegetarians and those who prefer to eat dairy free, it’s been a celebration they want to enjoy, but the food choices for them can be limited.
Well not anymore.
Vegan and vegetarian cuisine is now as tasty as the “real stuff,” say chefs who pride themselves on concocting recipes that will please both those who eat meat and dairy and those who don’t.
At GreenAcres, several of our cooks are Mexican and we offer great Mexican recipes in our stores that have delis and/or hot cases.
In our store freezers and refrigerators, we’ve got vegan-friendly Mexican-style groceries that taste divine.
Peruse any GreenAcres Market and you’ll find dairy free, gluten free, soy free, you-name-it-free appetizers and entrees of every ethnicity. Daiya and other non-dairy cheeses are bringing yumminess back to those who just can’t do without pizza, cream cheese and party dips.
But for those who can tolerate rich, cheesy, protein meals and crunchy chips made with or without gluten, look no further than our May newsletter. There you’ll find some of our more popular Mexican favorites such as:
• Garden of Eatin’ Yellow and Blue Corn Taco shells, made with organic stone-ground corn, cooked to a light, crispy perfection.
• Bearitos 100% organic, all-natural Black Beans and Traditional Refried Beans.
• Que Pasa organic Salsa and Tortilla chips. (Can’t celebrate the day without salsa and chips.)
• Frontera Seasoning Sauces and Pouches. (Making it easy to cook Mexican!)
• Green Mountain Gringo Tortilla Strips and Salsa
• Roberto’s All-Natural Green Chili Salsa
• Paqui Tortilla Chips
• Organic Valley Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
All of these are on sale throughout the month of May. If you’re as crazy about Mexican food as we are, you’ll love what GreenAcres has in store!