Every day we have a moment when we crave a snack to stave off our hunger. However, of all the snacks, the most harmless are popcorn, but the best are Japanese peanuts, which have conquered the palates and hearts of many Mexicans for years.
But is it really a snack from Japan? Today we want to share with you the history of this appetizer, which many of us love so that the next time you put it in your mouth, you do so knowingly so that later you have a curious fact to tell your friends.
Japanese peanuts were invented by a Japanese immigrant named Yoshigei Nakatani, who arrived in Mexico in the 1930s. He settled in Mexico City and began experimenting with different snack recipes. Inspired by Japanese culinary techniques and the ingredients available in Mexico, he developed a recipe that combined peanuts with a coating of wheat flour and soy sauce.
How did Japanese peanuts become popular?
Due to the novelty, Japanese peanuts quickly became popular in Mexico, due to their unique flavor and crunchy texture. The snack became a commercial success and soon began to be sold in various stores and markets. Over time. They became popular in other countries in Latin America and beyond.
Today, Japanese peanuts come in a variety of flavors and styles, including versions with chili, lemon, and other spices. Although the original Nakatani recipe remains popular, these variations have allowed the snack to maintain its relevance and appeal in the global market.
Fusion snacks from Japan and Mexico
Today, Yoshigei Nakatani‘s contribution to Mexican food culture is a notable example of how culinary traditions can merge and create something new and appreciated by many people. Japanese peanuts remain a beloved snack in Mexico and a testament to the cultural exchange between Japan and Mexico.