Flavors of the state of Veracruz > Xico, Tradition All Year Round
In Xico, any reason is enough to get the mole-sauce pots on the fire. The town's residents are boisterous and friendly, and with good reason: they live in a lovely little town whose streets are lined with colonial houses; the town's climate means flowers are out all year round; residents have a stunning view of the mountains; and the town is a stone's throw from some extraordinary coffee farms. Some of the best things about this Magic Town, though, are its classic pastoral scenes: milkmen delivering their milk, women cooking home-made tortillas and the elderly praying in church at sunrise.
While you're in the area, why not also visit the Abamoxol farm where coffee is produced from November to March. The coffee processed here is called cereza (“cherry”) for the simple reason that when the bean is mature, it resembles a cherry. At Abamoxol, you can watch the whole process of coffee production, from the collection of the beans to their dehydration, roasting and grinding according to traditional techniques. At the end of the tour, sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee and some locally-made cookies.
One of Xico's delicious traditional dishes is xonequi (beans prepared with cornmeal and aromatic herbs). You might also try pork enchiladas, another local speciality, but what you really can’t afford to miss are the local liquors, Moritas (made from wild berries) and Verde (from green herbs), which locals claim is good for the stomach.
One of Xico's delicious traditional dishes is xonequi (beans prepared with cornmeal and aromatic herbs). You might also try pork enchiladas, another local speciality, but what you really can’t afford to miss are the local liquors, Moritas (made from wild berries) and Verde (from green herbs), which locals claim is good for the stomach. If you fancy taking some local goods back home with you, don’t forget to visit Doña Lilu's store in Calle Hidalgo, where you can find a wide range of mole, preserves and liquors.
With the kind collaboration of Mexico Tourism Board. If you plan a trip to Mexico, Visit Mexico
Coffee bean photo : Compass Coffee Roasting Company in Mexico
Photo of the xonequi : Secretaria de Turismo del Estado de Veracruz
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