VERACRUZ AND ITS VANILLA
The route’s starting point is Papantla, a municipality located in the northern part of the state of Veracruz. Vanilla, valued for its flavor worldwide and discovered by the Mayans, who used it to prepare their drinks, has an Appellation of Origin (certifying a product as originating from that territory). To learn about its production, there is a good selection of tours around the region, where you can visit plantations such as those in the Xanath Ecological Park.
In addition to learning about the history of vanilla, you can smell it, touch its different elements, and learn about the types of plants and pods. Listen to the farmers talk about the process of natural pollination and, finally, taste this sweet treasure.
Other spots worth exploring include Vainilla de Poza Rica, where they practice artificial pollination of this flower, as well as the community of Cuyuxquihui, a farming cooperative that grows organic vanilla. In Cuyuxquihui, you can learn about production and visit a craft workshop. Taste delicious bread, tamales, and, of course, vanilla ice cream.
veracruz.mx
CAMPECHE’S MERENGUE
The next point to continue this sweet route is the state of Campeche. Although this dessert is available in various destinations across the country, it is a tradition here, especially because it is the main ingredient in the region’s famous “pan de frailes” (friars’ bread), a flour toast filled with coconut, meringue, and sprinkled with pink sugar.
But let’s take a step back. Although there is no specific route to learn about this delight, almost any local chef, street vendor, or family will know that its origin dates back to the Viceroyalty, hence its name. Its ingredients, such as sugar cane or piloncillo, were already used by the Maya to sweeten their drinks, but it wasn’t until the mixing of cultures that they learned to make these delicacies that they later placed in their offerings.
Meringue is made with sugar, egg whites, vanilla, and lemon juice, “but those who beat these ingredients with skill, especially the eggs, will obtain a fluffy and smooth meringue,” say Campeche locals.
To enjoy these delights, you can do so with local “merengueros,” who carry their baskets of sweets throughout the city center. You can also visit classic dessert shops, markets, or one of the many traditional eateries that serve it as a dessert.
campeche.travel
YUCATÁN’S HONEY
Finally, there is no better way to conclude this experience than by tasting rich honey. Yucatán’s honey is not just any honey; it comes from the Melipona bee, found only in this state. The Mayans were the ones who decided to preserve it and use it for medicinal purposes, as unlike others, it has more nutrients and is sweeter.
Around the city of Mérida and in various municipalities in Yucatán, you can find hotels or small communities dedicated to the care and conservation of this honey. One option is to visit the Melipona Garden in the municipality of Xcunyá, near Mérida. The garden was created by Mayan women who preserve and produce various products derived from this honey. The garden opens every day, and your host will be Doña Anselma Chalé, who will give you a tour, and show you the bees and how the nectar is hand-collected.
Finally, it’s time for the most delicious moment: a
honey tasting while discovering sweets, creams, and
even soaps made by these women and crafted from
this pure honey. You can also visit the municipality of
Maní, where ceremonies and rituals are performed
around these bees and their honey. Here, a local
guide will show you the apiary and lead you on a
honey tasting.
yucatan.travel
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