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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Tamales date back to pre-Colombian (before Columbus) times in what is now Mexico and Central America. The word tamal as tamales are known in Mexico comes from the Nahuatle (Aztec) word tamalli which means wrapped or surrounded by bread. These lard less tamales had their flavor enhanced by the addition of avocado, pumpkin or sesame oils and were filled with indigenous domesticated animals such as Guajalote (Turkey) and were often seasoned with beans, chiles, herbs, honey and mole. The true culinary mixing of the old and new worlds took place with the introduction of the pig and the acceptance of it by the indigenous cultures. |
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| History of Maiz: We know that corn or maiz, the base of all tamales started to be cultivated more than 7000 years ago. Excavations in the valley of Tehuacán, in the state of Puebla, Mexico have revealed the consumption of maize, more than seven thousand years ago. The early Mesoamerican cultures expanded and thrived after they discovered the process of nixtamalization from the Nahuatle word to mix. Nixtamalization is the processing of field corn with wood ashes (pre-Colombian) or now with "cal, slaked lime." This essential process softens the corn for easier grinding and also aids in digestibility and increases the nutrients absorbed by the human body. Nixtamalization dates back to the southern coast of Guatemala around 1200 - 1500BC where kitchens were found equipped with the necessities of nixtamal making. This process helped the Mesoamericans cultures to grow and thrive creating what was known as the Cult of the Maiz; a religious cult known to the early Mexican and Central Americans. |
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Out of respect for our customer's health El Bravo Tamale Company products do not contain lard or trans fatty acids. |
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Organic refers to the way agricultural products food and fiber are grown and processed. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food. |
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What Does "Certified Organic" mean? |
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"Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set. |
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Who regulates the certified organic claims? |
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The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during December 2000 unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. These took effect on April 21, 2001, with an 18-month implementation period ending October 2002. At that time, any food labeled organic must meet these national organic standards. USDA‚s National Organic Program oversees the program. |
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