When Was the Burrito Invented? Exploring the Origins of the Popular Mexican Dish

Introduction

A burrito is a Mexican-style wrap that consists of a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients such as beans, rice, beef, cheese, salsa, and vegetables. It is a popular and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. But when was the burrito actually invented?

In this article, we will take a look at the historical background of the burrito and explore the various theories on its invention. We will also examine the evidence pointing to a specific date for when the burrito was first created. By the end of the article, you should have a better understanding of the story behind this popular Mexican dish.

A Historical Look at the Invention of the Burrito

The burrito has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for centuries. However, there is no definitive answer as to when it was first invented. The earliest evidence of similar dishes can be found in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. These dishes consisted of maize tortillas filled with various ingredients such as beans, squash, and chili peppers.

The burrito as we know it today began to emerge in the 19th century in Mexico. According to food historian Jeffrey M. Pilcher, the word “burrito” first appeared in 1895 in a Mexican cookbook. The dish was described as “a rolled tortilla with meat filling.”

Exploring the Origins of the Burrito

So how and when was the burrito actually invented? There are several popular theories on the invention of the burrito. One theory suggests that the burrito was invented in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the early 20th century. According to this theory, the burrito was created by Juan Mendez, a street vendor who sold tacos filled with beef. To keep the tacos warm, he wrapped them in large homemade flour tortillas.

Another popular theory suggests that the burrito was invented in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in the 1940s. This theory states that a local restaurant owner named Juan Frausto created the dish to feed hungry workers. He filled large flour tortillas with various ingredients such as beans, cheese, and chorizo sausage and then wrapped them in foil to keep them warm.

How the Burrito Became a Global Phenomenon

Regardless of when and where the burrito was invented, it quickly became a popular dish in Mexico and beyond. The burrito spread across the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, with the help of Mexican immigrants who brought their recipes with them. It soon became a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and gained even more popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

The burrito has since become a global phenomenon, with different countries adapting the dish to their own tastes and cultures. For example, in Japan, the burrito is often filled with sushi instead of traditional Mexican ingredients. In India, it is often filled with curried vegetables and served with chutney. The possibilities are endless!

The Story Behind the Popular Mexican Dish

The traditional burrito is typically made with a large flour tortilla filled with refried beans, rice, meat, cheese, and salsa. Other common ingredients include guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos. The burrito is usually served with chips, salsa, and a cold beverage such as beer or soda.

There are also many regional variations of the burrito. For example, in Northern Mexico, the burrito is often made with grilled meats such as carne asada. In the Southwestern United States, the burrito is often made with Mexican-style rice and beans. And in some parts of California, the burrito is filled with French fries!

Tracing the History of the Burrito

To trace the history of the burrito, we need to look back to ancient times. As mentioned earlier, there is evidence of similar dishes in Mesoamerican cultures. These dishes were made with maize tortillas and filled with beans, squash, and chili peppers. This suggests that the burrito may have evolved from these ancient recipes.

In addition to examining ancient recipes, researchers have also studied historic documents, paintings, and other artifacts to uncover the history of the burrito. For example, a 16th-century painting by Diego Rivera depicting a woman making a burrito-like dish is often cited as evidence of the dish’s early origins.

A Journey Through Time: When Was the Burrito Invented?

Despite the various theories and evidence pointing to a specific date for when the burrito was invented, there is still no definitive answer. While it is likely that the burrito was invented in the late 19th or early 20th century, the exact date remains a mystery.

“The burrito is one of those dishes that just seems to have always existed,” says food historian Jeffrey M. Pilcher. “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when and where it was invented because it has evolved so much over time.”

Conclusion

The burrito is a popular Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. While the exact date of its invention remains a mystery, it is likely that it was invented in the late 19th or early 20th century in Mexico. Since then, the burrito has spread across the world and adapted to different cultures and cuisines.

From its humble beginnings in Mexico to its current status as a global phenomenon, the burrito has come a long way. Next time you enjoy a burrito, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and all the delicious variations it has to offer.