Juarez VS Sonora: Where Do YOU Think The Burrito Was Born?
National Burrito Day has us buzzing and the age old debate has sparked once again as Mexicans and burrito lovers from all over argue about one topic: WHERE WAS THE BURRITO REALLY BORN??
Lots of foods have a distinguishable point of origin, meaning they can be traced through history and we can figure out exactly where these foods come from. The ones that dont have a solid line to follow, usually lead us back to one country at the very least. For the burrito, obviously the country is Mexico.
What usually happens when there's no clear paper trail to show us where something was invented? We go to the locals!!
In Mexico, there are 3 really popular stories that have come up as the origin of everyones favorite food tube, the burrito.
- The Juarez Donkey Rider
The first theory says that the origin of the burrito comes from a man named Juan Mendez who sold tacos during the Mexican Revolution. Supposedly, he would ride around on a donkey and would keep the food wrapped in large flour tortillas to keep it warm. The name "food of the donkey" became so popular that at some point it was shortened to "burrito" or "little donkey." But this is just the first origin story.
- The Kinda Rude Theory
This theory isnt exactly...nice. According to food historians and locals, another potential origin of the burrito comes from an unnamed vendor in the 1940s. Supposedly, this man invented the burrito as a way to create a filling, quick meal to sell to poor children at a school near him. The reason this theory is a little bit mean is because the name comes from his slang term for the kids he would sell his food to. According to the story, the term burrito used to be a slang term for someone who was slow or dimwitted, which is what this vendor called the students.
- The Theory That Makes Most Sense
The last theory I have for you is one that comes from Gustavo Arellano, a columnist for the L.A. Times and an expert on Mexican foods, has the most plausible theory for the burrito but he doesnt think it came from Juarez, he believes it came from Sonora. This theory is pretty simple, it claims the food was invented basically because it was easier to carry around while riding to and from various places. Since most people travelled by donkey, the food was given the title "burrito." The reason this theory probably makes the most sense is because Sonora is the region in Mexico that is best known for growing wheat, which of course is the main ingredient in flour tortillas.
What do you think though? Do you have another theory for where the Burrito came from? Does your family tell a different story??
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