8 Mexican Foods That Start With Z – That Start With Recipes

Believe it or not, Mexican foods that start with Z are some of my favorite like zacahuil, zapote, and zarzaparrilla.

Even though my “Z” list may be short, these Mexican foods are incredibly tasty. Do you have a favorite Mexican “Z” cuisine, and did it make the list?

Mexican Foods That Start with Z

Take a look at these Mexican foods that begin with the letter Z. See how many you’ve heard of and how many are new!

1. Zacahuil

Zacahuil is a traditional Mexican dish that is perfect for sharing with a crowd. It is a massive tamale made with masa (corn dough) and meat, usually pork or chicken. The tamale is wrapped in banana or papatla leaves, tied up, and cooked overnight for 8 to 12 hours in an adobe bake oven, giving it a smoky flavor and tender texture. Zacahuil translates to “big bite” in English, or bocado grande in Spanish.

2. Zapote

Zapote is a tropical fruit that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is about the size of a large apple and has a thin, brownish-green skin. The flesh of the fruit is soft and custard-like, with a sweet and tangy flavor that is similar to a combination of peach, pear, and banana. Zapote is often eaten fresh, either on its own or as part of a fruit salad.

3. Zacatecas Condoches

Zacatecas Condoches are a type of small, thick cake that is a traditional dish from the central region of Mexico, specifically from the states of Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas. They are a popular snack or meal and can be either sweet or savory. The sweet Condoches are made with sugar and cinnamon, while the savory ones are made with ingredients such as beans, cheese, or meat. They are typically baked in an oven and can be served with a variety of toppings.

4. Zamburiña

Zamburiña is a popular seafood dish in Mexican cuisine that features variegated scallops. Zamburiñas are known for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. In Mexico, zamburiñas are often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger seafood platter.

Zamburiñas are often referred to as “the queen of scallops” due to their unique flavor and texture. They are also known for their high nutritional value, as they are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.

5. Zarzaparrilla

Zarzaparrilla, also known as sarsaparilla, is a plant native to Mexico and Central America. In Mexican cuisine, zarzaparrilla is often used as a flavoring agent in beverages, including the popular soft drink, Sarsaparilla. It is also used as a flavoring in ice cream and other desserts. The name “zarzaparrilla” comes from the Spanish words “zarza” (bramble) and “parrilla” (little grape vine), referring to the vine-like appearance of the plant’s stems.

6. Zapallo

Zapallo is a type of squash that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Zapallo can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, and frying. It is often used in soups, stews, and casseroles, and can also be mashed and used as a filling for tamales.

7. Zarzamora

Zarzamora is the Spanish term for blackberry. This fruit is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to make desserts, drinks, and sauces. To make blackberry atole, for example, one needs to cook blackberries in water, mix corn flour in a small bowl with water, and then add it to the blackberry mixture. Zarzamora is also used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. In Mexico, it is common to eat blackberries as a snack or to use them as a topping for ice cream.

8. Zanahoria

Zanahoria, which means carrot in Spanish, is a popular vegetable in Mexican cuisine. It is often pickled and served as a side dish or used as a topping for tacos, tortas, and other Mexican dishes. In addition to being pickled, carrots can be roasted, boiled, or grated and used in salads or as a garnish for soups and stews.