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On this episode:

- Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day.

- Food segment: Chiles en Nogada.

- Facts about Puebla.

SHOWNOTES:

Puebla is a very special state for many reasons. First of all because it's polemic, and some of the countries heroes have been born in the state. Some other villans have been born in the state.

This state is very patriotic, maybe just like Jalisco. They keep traditions, history, and culture. And on top of that, they have great food.

Cinco de Mayo and The Battle of Puebla

This holiday is misunderstood around the world. As a matter of fact, one of the biggest mistakes people make is calling Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) Mexico's Independence Day. That's not true, the correct date would be September 16, the holiday for nationals.

People celebrate this day with a marvelous parade. They have great pride of being poblanos, and their also proud to be the hosts of a national holiday, and a great parade. They even have a reenactment of the battle that took place there on Cinco de Mayo: Battle of Puebla.

Chiles en nogada

It doesn't get more Mexican than this. These delights are comfort food for people around the country. Chiles en nogada are only available from July to September.

It's very typical in the center of the country, especially in the states that neighbor Puebla. The dish is historic, and was presented to the first Emperor of Mexico: Iturbide, during the period of consolidation of the Independence from Spain.

The initial preparation of the chilies is similar to jalapeno poppers. What makes this dish truly special is the stuffing of pork and fruit, a classic combination throughout the culinary world. On top of this, they add a walnut sauce and palmgranate seeds.

Poblano peppers are recommended for this. You can easily get them in North America, and in Europe maybe in some Indian or Pakistani shops.

Facts about Puebla

If you're thinking of a trip to Puebla, you should consider in your vacations:

1. Fourth largest city in Mexico, with about 3 to 4 million people. Connected to other suburbs like Tlaxcala.

2. The state capital is home to the African Safari, a drive-through zoo, animals run loose. Cool experience if you travel with kids. If you're concerned about security during your tour, don't worry, they don't allow people to get out of the car.

3. New Beetles are produced in the area. They used to produce the old Volkswagen Beetles, that were used like taxis, but not anymore.

4. Mexicans love talavera from Puebla, the finest pottery. It's normally blue and white, and artisans still use ancient techniques to produce it.

5. Cholula is a site to fantastic pyramids. A guide will tour you around in the little town of Cholula, and you might be able to get in the local market, to see how poblanos lived.

6. Great food made by poblanos:

- Mole Poblano

- Cemitas

- Camotes

- Chile poblano