Discovering of Tortillas

The Rich History of Tortillas in Mexican Cuisine

 

Tortillas, a fundamental component of Mexican cuisine, boast a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The origins of this remarkable food can be traced to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, specifically the Aztecs and the Mayans. These cultures were among the first to cultivate maize, which would ultimately become the primary ingredient in tortillas. Historical evidence suggests that tortillas were not only a staple in their diet but also served a crucial role in rituals and ceremonies, signifying their cultural importance.

As maize was a significant part of life in these ancient civilizations, the process of making tortillas evolved impressively over time. Initially, the grinding of maize was performed using simple tools, such as grinding stones known as "metates." This method allowed for the transformation of whole maize kernels into a fine masa, the basis for tortillas. The use of nixtamalization, a process that involves soaking maize in an alkaline solution to enhance its nutritional value, became common in the preparation of tortillas, further illustrating their importance in daily sustenance.

In contemporary Mexico, tortillas have transcended their humble beginnings to become a versatile food integral to various traditional dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. They are a celebrated symbol of Mexican culture and identity, representing unity and togetherness, often served during communal meals. Regional variations abound across Mexico, with corn tortillas and flour tortillas being the most notable distinctions. Locations such as the Yucatán peninsula favor the use of flour, while other regions prominently feature corn-based tortillas. This rich array highlights the adaptability of tortillas, making them a culinary staple that continues to thrive in modern times.

As communities evolve, so too do their culinary practices, ensuring that tortillas remain a cherished and indispensable part of Mexican cuisine, connecting past traditions to present-day experiences.

Pairing Tortillas with Authentic Mexican Dishes

 

Tortillas serve as a fundamental element in Mexican cuisine, offering a versatile base that complements a myriad of flavors and ingredients. Among the most iconic dishes that highlight the culinary potential of tortillas are tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, each providing a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors.

Tacos are perhaps the most celebrated tortilla pairing, recognized for their simple yet delightful construction. A soft corn tortilla filled with fresh ingredients such as grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables, topped with salsas, onions, and cilantro, creates a hand-held marvel. Variations abound, allowing for customization that caters to individual palates, making tacos a staple in Mexican dining.

Enchiladas present another delectable option, involving tortillas rolled around fillings—often shredded meats or cheese—bathed in a flavorful sauce such as red chile or green tomatillo. This dish is typically baked, resulting in a bubbling incorporation of flavors. The use of garnishes like crema, avocado, or crumbled cheese enhances the experience, further showcasing how tortillas can carry rich, savory tastes.

Quesadillas offer a simpler yet equally gratifying experience. By placing cheese and various fillings between two tortillas and then grilling them, the cheese melts while the tortilla achieves a delightful crispiness. Served with guacamole or salsa on the side, quesadillas highlight the versatility of tortillas, inspiring creativity in combining ingredients like peppers, mushrooms, or even beans.

For an authentic Mexican culinary experience, consider adding fresh produce, marinated meats, and traditional salsas to your tortilla dishes. These combinations not only elevate the flavors but also encourage exploration within the vibrant palette of Mexican cuisine. The versatility of tortillas invites experimentation, making it an essential staple in every home cook's kitchen, ready to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Bank Indonesia (BI) mengatakan, neraca pembayaran Indonesia (NPI) triwulan III-2024 mengalami surplus sehingga menjaga ketahanan sektor eksternal.

 

NPI pada triwulan III-2024 mencatat surplus sebesar 5,9 miliar dolar AS, dari sebelumnya defisit sebesar 0,6 miliar dolar AS pada triwulan II-2024.

 

“Kinerja neraca pembayaran Indonesia pada triwulan III 2024 membaik sehingga mendukung ketahanan eksternal,” kata Direktur Eksekutif Departemen Komunikasi BI Ramdan Denny Prakoso di Jakarta, Kamis.

 

Ramdan menuturkan, surplus NPI ditopang oleh surplus neraca transaksi modal dan finansial yang meningkat serta defisit neraca transaksi berjalan yang lebih rendah.

 

Dengan perkembangan tersebut, posisi cadangan devisa meningkat dari sebesar 140,2 miliar dolar AS pada akhir Juni 2024 menjadi sebesar 149,9 miliar dolar AS pada akhir September 2024, atau setara dengan pembiayaan 6,4 bulan impor dan pembayaran utang luar negeri pemerintah, serta berada di atas standar kecukupan internasional sekitar 3 bulan impor.

 

Ia mengatakan, neraca transaksi berjalan mencatat penurunan defisit. Pada triwulan III-2024, neraca transaksi berjalan mencatat defisit sebesar 2,2 miliar dolar AS atau sebesar 0,6 persen dari produk domestik bruto (PDB), lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan defisit sebesar 3,2 miliar dolar AS atau 0,9 persen dari PDB pada triwulan II-2024.

 

Kinerja neraca transaksi berjalan ditopang oleh surplus neraca perdagangan barang nonmigas yang berlanjut, didukung oleh pertumbuhan ekspor nonmigas seiring dengan kenaikan harga komoditas, di tengah impor yang tumbuh lebih tinggi sejalan meningkatnya aktivitas ekonomi domestik.

 

Defisit neraca jasa menyempit didorong oleh meningkatnya surplus jasa perjalanan seiring naiknya jumlah kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara. Defisit neraca pendapatan primer juga menurun dipengaruhi oleh lebih rendahnya pembayaran imbal hasil investasi kepada investor nonresiden.

 

Selain itu, peningkatan surplus neraca pendapatan sekunder yang didorong oleh penerimaan remitansi turut mendukung kinerja neraca transaksi berjalan.

 

Lebih lanjut Ramdan menuturkan, surplus neraca transaksi modal dan finansial berlanjut. Neraca transaksi modal dan finansial mencatat surplus sebesar 6,6 miliar dolar AS pada triwulan III-2024, meningkat dibandingkan dengan surplus sebesar 3,0 miliar dolar AS pada triwulan II-2024.

 

Investasi langsung membukukan peningkatan surplus, utamanya berasal dari penyertaan modal di sektor industri pengolahan, jasa kesehatan, serta transportasi, pergudangan, dan komunikasi, sejalan dengan persepsi positif investor terhadap prospek perekonomian nasional yang tetap terjaga.

 

Aliran masuk modal asing ke berbagai instrumen investasi portofolio juga meningkat seiring dengan imbal hasil investasi yang tetap menarik. Di sisi lain, investasi lainnya mencatat kenaikan defisit didorong meningkatnya penempatan investasi swasta pada berbagai instrumen finansial luar negeri.

 

Ke depan, BI senantiasa mencermati dinamika perekonomian global yang dapat mempengaruhi prospek NPI dan terus memperkuat respons bauran kebijakan yang didukung sinergi kebijakan yang erat dengan Pemerintah dan otoritas terkait guna memperkuat ketahanan sektor eksternal.

 

NPI 2024 diprakirakan tetap baik dengan defisit neraca transaksi berjalan terjaga dalam kisaran rendah sebesar 0,1 persen sampai dengan 0,9 persen dari PDB.

 

Neraca transaksi modal dan finansial diprakirakan tetap mencatatkan surplus didukung oleh peningkatan investasi langsung maupun investasi portofolio sejalan dengan persepsi positif investor terhadap prospek perekonomian nasional dan imbal hasil investasi yang menarik.