Esquites

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/esquites

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the etymological root?Derived from the Nahuatl word 'ízquitl,' meaning 'toasted corn'
2. What is the culinary classification?Primarily categorized as an 'antojito,' a Mexican street food snack
3. Why do people eat esquites?People eat esquites because they taste yummy and bring friends and families together at markets, plazas, and celebrations.
4. How is esquites made?First, corn kernels are boiled or steamed. Then they are mixed with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice to create a creamy, flavorful cup.

Nahuatl: An indigenous Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Nahua peoples of Mexico, historically significant as the language of the Aztec Empire.
Antojito: A broad category of Mexican street food and snacks, characterized by their affordability, flavor intensity, and role in satisfying immediate cravings.
Cotija Cheese: A firm, dry, and crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk, known for its salty and slightly nutty flavor, commonly used as a topping.
Elote en Vaso: A Spanish term literally translating to 'corn in a cup,' often used interchangeably with esquites to describe the dish's presentation.