Translated into Spanish, Pico de Gallo literally means “beak of a rooster.” Some believe this is because it was originally eaten by pinching between the thumb and forefinger, making the shape of a rooster’s beak. Pico de Gallo, however, has nothing to do with roosters.
Pico de Gallo is a traditional Latin American dish that comes from a rich cultural and culinary history in Mexico. It’s believed that this amazing dish was derived from the ancient Aztec culture, and widely popularized in Mexican cuisine, especially in regions such as the Yucatan and Sonora. A tomato-based salsa that can be eaten alone or as a topping for any dish, Pico de Gallo is a staple in Latin restaurants and homes around the world.
To be an authentic Pico de Gallo, the salsa must include fresh ingredients: diced tomatoes, onion, Mexican green peppers (try serrano or jalapeno), cilantro, and lime juice. Pico de Gallo also contains less liquid than traditional salsa and it’s never blended and always made with diced and chopped ingredients.
The beauty of Pico de Gallo is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. If you like it hot, use more spicy peppers and leave in some seeds. If you don’t, forget the peppers. You can simply leave them out or replace them with an ingredient you prefer, such as green bell peppers, black beans, or corn.
Made with fresh produce, Pico de Gallo is one of the healthiest additions to any authentic Latin American cuisine! The tomatoes and peppers in the salsa are known for preventing colds and strengthening your immune system and can serve as a blood thinner thanks to the onion. If you add garlic or jalapeno, your Pico can have anti-inflammatory properties as well, so eat on! Try using Pico and guacamole as a topping for the best chicken you’ll ever eat, mix it with your eggs for a colorful breakfast, serve it with tortilla chips, use it as a taco topping, or as an ingredient in quesadillas or burritos.
Don’t forget to stop by Riverview Fresh Market, your favorite Latin Market and add to your shopping list all the ingredients to create your Pico de Gallo. We also carry it ready to eat in small, medium or large bowls and it’s available to purchase online. Visit our DELI MENU, You will find it under the salads category.
