What is the scene you evoke when thinking of the perfect vacation, full of tranquility? Certainly, one of the Mexican Caribbean, with a turquoise-blue sea bordering fine white sand, palm trees offering shade, and you lying on a lounge chair with a fruity drink in your hand. Sounds far away, doesn’t it? However, sometimes you don’t need a magical genie to come out of a lamp, but rather to choose a destination and make a click.
Among so many options, Chetumal ranks at the top of the list: a haven where nature has gone out of its way to pour its charms, a place where travelers will find plenty of fun and relaxation as they desire.
Jungle, beaches, and sea make up the scenery of a tourist-rich Chetumal that gives us the welcome or farewell to the Mexican Caribbean, depending on the angle from which you want to look at it. Various water sports like snorkeling, sport fishing, swimming, or diving are some activities you can do to fill your morning and afternoon. And afterward? Then, a delightful treat to enjoy and recover your energy!
How about trying some Machacados, the tropical flavor typical of Chetumal? It is a divine treat almost exclusive to these latitudes, as it is not widely known elsewhere in the world. Moreover, it is characteristic of this destination because the fruits used to make it are also not easily found anywhere else. This flavor ends up defining those moments of extreme pleasure, complementing the image we evoked earlier.
The Machacados are made with fruits like papaya, watermelon, coconut, banana, pineapple, cantaloupe, mango, mamey, among others. Living up to their name, the fruits are “crushed” into a tempting and flavorful pulp that, to be enjoyed at its best, must include ice. Then, it is poured abundantly with a touch of charm provided by condensed milk, and vanilla and cinnamon are also added. Those who prepare it will first test to see if it’s ready to drive people to ecstasy. And if it isn’t, then they add a bit more milk. Oh, what a delight! It is served with a spoon to mix it when necessary and to enjoy it slowly and smoothly, almost begging it won’t run out.
Machacados are the dessert that turns any moment into perfection: whether you choose to enjoy them at a table or take them on the way to some touristic spot, no one can resist them.
Many say the Machacados are similar to shaved ice but even more natural. It’s not worth debating over it: it’s just a matter of letting the flavor envelop us and accompany us on the journey through Mexican corners. Indeed, one thing is certain once you have them in your mouth: Mexican cuisine wasn’t chosen as a World Heritage by chance, and with every bite of Machacado, the bet UNESCO made when naming it so is renewed. Don’t miss out!
Portuguese Versión: Machacados: o sabor tropical mais típico de Chetumal
