How did indigenous food traditions survive despite Spanish suppression?
By completely abandoning pre-Hispanic food practices.
By blending with Spanish traditions and adapting within new contexts.
By refusing to engage with Spanish authorities.
By being completely replaced by European customs.

Indigenous food traditions cleverly adapted to the new environment by blending their cherished recipes and techniques with Spanish ingredients and culinary practices. This fusion created delicious dishes that not only satisfied the dietary needs of the communities but also kept their cultural identity alive. For example, the use of maize became a staple in both indigenous and Spanish cuisines, leading to unique creations like tamales and tortillas that are now central to Mexican cuisine!

Communities also relied on oral traditions and communal cooking practices to pass down their knowledge and skills, ensuring that despite the Spanish suppression, many original ingredients and cooking methods remained integral to their identity. Festivals, feasts, and family gatherings often featured these traditional foods, which helped reinforce their cultural significance and resist complete assimilation into European customs.