Cuisine of the Americas

Cuisine of the Americas refers to the diverse culinary traditions, ingredients, and styles found in the countries of North, Central, and South America. The cuisine varies widely due to the multicultural influences from indigenous peoples, European colonists, African slaves, and Asian immigrants.

North American Cuisine

North American cuisine is a term used for foods native to or popular in countries of North America, such as Canadian cuisine, American cuisine, Mexican cuisine, and Caribbean cuisine.

United States

American cuisine is shaped by its history. Early Native American tribes utilized a number of cooking methods in early American Cuisine that have been blended with early European cooking methods to form the basis of what is now American Cuisine.

Canada

Canadian cuisine varies widely from region to region. Generally, the traditional cuisine of English Canada relates to British and American cuisine, while the traditional cuisine of French Canada has evolved from French cuisine and the winter provisions of fur traders.

Mexico

Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Columbian traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists.

Central American Cuisine

Central American cuisine is a fusion of Native American, Spanish, and African culinary traditions. It is distinguished by its use of fresh seafood, rice, beans, and tropical fruits.

South American Cuisine

South American cuisine has many influences, due to the ethnic fusion of South America. The most characteristic are Native American, African, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Indian-South Asian.

Brazil

Brazilian cuisine has European, African and Amerindian influences. It varies greatly by region, reflecting the country's mix of native and immigrant populations.

Argentina

Argentinian cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of beef, with roast being the national dish.

Caribbean Cuisine

Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian, Arab and Chinese cuisine. These traditions were brought from many different countries when they came to the Caribbean.

See Also

• List of cuisines of the Americas
• Latin American cuisine
• Native American cuisine