The International Flavors of Cinco de Mayo

The International Flavors of Cinco de Mayo In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo became a celebration of freedom & democracy for Mexican-American communities during the Civil War. In Puebla, Mexico, it marks the anniversary of the Mexican Army's victory over the French. While its origins may be regionally specific, the foods & flavors of the holiday come from all over the world. Spanish conquistadors brought cilantro to Mexico in the 1500s. You are 7 times more likely to see sale ads for cilantro during Cinco de Mayo, Avocados came to the U.S. from Central Mexico. Americans will eat over 87 million Ibs of avocados this Cinco de Mayo, The U.S. is one of the world's largest importers of cilantro. Cilantro The cost of avocados was 4% less, on average, during the 2012 holiday week. 95% of all California-grown avocados trace their Scientists believe all chili peppers lineage back to a single tree in La Habra Heights, California. peppers can be traced back to Bolivia. Chili Peppers USDA India is the world's largest producer, consumer & exporter of chili peppers. Dutch traders originally brought them to the subcontinent. United States Department of Agriculture There are over 25 species of chilies, but the 3 most popular in the U.S. are jalapeño, serrano & poblano peppers. Sources: USDA Market News (marketnews.usda.gov) National Agricultural Statistics Service (www.nass.usda.gov) The California Avocado Commission (www.californiaavocado.com) www.cnn.com/2012/05/05/us/cinco-de-mayo-origins/index.html Compiled by the AMS Agricultural Analytics Division Designed by Shayla Mae Bailey AVOcados Cilantro Chili