Things to Do in Encinitas, California: Don't Miss This North County San Diego Gem
San Diego is an enormous county. In fact, it's around 4,500 mi.². I just Googled that. I definitely didn't know that off the top of my head. In North County San Diego alone, there's Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach, & more cities. Looking for best things to do in Encinitas? Drive Coast Highway 101 or head to Swami's Beach, Moonlight State Beach, San Diego Botanic Garden, or Encinitas Historical Society. There's a lot you can do. Keep reading!
I enjoy international travel as much as the next person. I visited Spain, Germany, Mexico, & Norway, which proved more than ever that small moments matter, no matter where you are. You have to supplement those getaways with something budget-friendly, something local. At the end of the day, I'm a San Diego lifestyle blogger at heart! There's always something exciting to do in San Diego.
You might also want to read my blog post Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town where I list all the coffee shops in Encinitas all in one place.
Things to Do in Encinitas CA - North County, San Diego
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See: Things to Do in Oceanside, California
Whether you like coffee drinks or walks by the beach, there are plenty of things to do in Encinitas, California. Read this guide for Encinitas points of interest whether you're a North County San Diego local or an out-of-town visitor!
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| Hanging out at the Moonlight Beach overlook with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean |
Head to Encinitas Beaches
Encinitas is a beachside town with miles of trails, there are a lot of beaches in this part of North County San Diego! Moonlight State Beach is one of my favorite places to relax, it even has a snack bar. Play volleyball with your friends or dip your toes in the water. Moonlight Beach is beautiful & I've seen some of the best sunsets of my life there. Want other beach options? Check out Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, or Swami's State Beach. Again, heaps of beaches & best things to do in Encinitas. Moonlight Beach is a personal favorite of mine, snack bar is cool, but bathrooms can get messy. You can surf or just stare at the ocean! You'll find one of the best views in Encinitas!Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops - Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
What is Encinitas famous for? How much does it cost to live in Encinitas?
Go Downtown
The bustling streets of Encinitas await. Watch a film at La Paloma Theater, which opened in 1928. Moonlight Beach is right there too. There are even things to do in Encinitas with kids. Go to any beach! Moonlight Beach or the tide pools. Stroll along the coast & you'll realize why Encinitas is such a great place. It's popular for a reason.
Grab a cup of coffee
The city of Encinitas has no shortage of coffee shops. Head to Pannikin Coffee & Tea for a coffee & a muffin. Their muffins are enormous & perfect for sharing. I love the Aztec Mocha from Lofty Coffee Co.; it has a spicy kick thanks to the cayenne. There's also Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters, Coffee Coffee, Philz Coffee, & a few other spots.
Related reading: 40+ Things To Do In Conejo Valley, California
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| In awe of the view from the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple |
Spend Time in a Garden
The Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple is one of my favorite spots in North County San Diego because it has some remarkable views. Relax in the peaceful Self Realization Fellowship meditation gardens. Stare at the majestic koi swimming in their ponds. Look out at the vast Pacific Ocean. It's free to enter but donations are welcome. If you want to spend some time in nature with over 4,000 types of plants, visit the San Diego Botanic Garden. The Self Realization Fellowship meditation gardens are certainly worth a visit if you're in Encinitas CA, Southern California!Support Local & Buy Souvenirs
Stroll Downtown Encinitas Main Street for all the cool retail stores & businesses. Caravan West is a bohemian paradise with baskets, blankets, books, & more. Check out Moon Shadow Boutique for bohemian fashion & vintage home accessories. Crystals, hair salons, home decor, kids boutiques, men's clothing, stationery, swimwear, women's clothing, there are local Encinitas, Southern California options for any gift or souvenir need. Downtown Encinitas has a lot of spunky shops!
Related reading: Things To Do in Torrance, California
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| A coffee & giant muffin from Pannikin Coffee & Tea is one of my favorite things to do in Encinitas |
Drive Historic Highway 101
Spend the day along Highway 101 driving along the beach. Go on a drive after spending time at the San Diego Botanic Garden or at the meditation gardens. Drive North County. U.S. Highway 101 runs through the states of California, Oregon, & Washington. Highway 101 is the longest highway in California. Drive down a piece of history in Encinitas. Downtown Encinitas Main Street is conveniently located on Highway 101; park your car then shop some of the local boutiques & stores.Eat Delicious Food at Encinitas Restaurants
Spend a day at the beach savoring the waves then head to a place to eat. Get a burrito or tacos or anything - you're in a beach city after all. Surf by day then visit a taco shop for a great meal. Go to the nature center or Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas.Fresh fish, tasty vegetarian food, gluten-free options, raw & organic desserts, Downtown Encinitas has restaurants food for all your needs! My other personal favorite restaurants in the city of Encinitas: pastries from St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro ♥ hot & prepared foods from Lazy Acres Natural Market ♥ Machacha Breakfast Burrito from Mozy Cafe (two eggs, jack cheese, & soy chorizo instead of turkey) ♥ organic, fresh options from GOODONYA like the Breakfast Veggie Bowl ♥ EVE Encinitas for all things vegan ♥ Home & Away Encinitas has affordable food & a beautiful space with hand-painted art
Drink Craft Beer at Encinitas Breweries
San Diego County has over 150+ breweries; it's one of the best place to find beer, so it's no surprise that the city of Encinitas has a few craft beer options. Saint Archer Brewing Co. has happy hour from 4-6 pm Monday through Friday - get $2 off a pint. Enjoy plant-based food & a full food menu (in addition to a full craft beer list, obviously). Sip on Thorn Brewing Co. at Home & Away Encinitas. Modern Times Far West Lounge. Culture Brewing Co. always features artists on their walls, so they're kind of like an art gallery with beer. North County has dozens of beer options.How About Cocktails?
Sip on a sexy cocktail at any number of cool Downtown Encinitas CA spots. In addition to a full food & craft beer menu, Bread & Barley has a number of signature cocktails (like the Leucadia Sunrise made with vodka, lemon, lavender, elderflower, cucumber), brunch cocktails, & classics. The Roxy is another classic go-to on Encinitas Main Street. Home & Away Encinitas has some tasty cocktails. Solterra Winery and Kitchen for wine!From La Paloma Theater to the farmers market, Encinitas is open to the public with plenty to offer. What are your favorite things to do in Encinitas? Do you like Moonlight Beach & Highway 101? Would you go surfing? Have you been to Self Realization Fellowship gardens?
Other places to visit in San Diego: La Jolla, Solana Beach, San Elijo Lagoon, anywhere on El Camino Real. Diego, California is a large county & it would take a long time to explore the whole place but you can have fun trying. Enjoy your visit & experience the best has to offer.
Did I miss something? Leave a comment with your 3 favorite things to do in Encinitas.
Have you visited Encinitas CA or North County San Diego? Do you like to explore your own city? :]
Acupressure Mat and Pillow: Do Acupressure Mats Actually Work?
Sometimes I casually lie down on a bed of needles to release tight muscles & relieve stress. What the hell am I babbling about? Does it help with shoulders or back pain? What about neck and back pain? What about using an acupressure mat for feet or other areas of the body? How many minutes do you stay on it? Do acupressure mats really work? How do you acupressure your feet? Which is the best acupressure mat? Pain sucks, so let's do what we can to keep it at bay. Do you have problems like that also? You don't have to be in pain forever. Acupressure mats might be useful. Get familiar with what the spike mats can do.
This magical invention is called an acupressure mat & acupressure pillow. The acupressure mat and pillow set only cost $20. It's spectacular! You can buy it from Amazon & you totally need a mat in your life. Keep reading to find out all about what it does, how to use it, & where to buy one. I bought the ProSource acupressure mat.
What Does an Acupressure Mat Do? Do acupressure mats really work?
Choose a surface to put it on, whether it's the floor or your chair, couch, against the wall. The harder the surface, the more pressure you'll feel. Acupressure mats are basically a bed of nails. At its core, an acupressure mat is a self-applied acupuncture device. You can lay on it, roll on it, sit on it, stand on it, stretch on it. The spiky bits on the mat hit your acupressure points to assist in any back or neck and shoulders pain. You can use it for your feet, legs, arms, & various areas of the body. You use your own weight of your body to heal your body. I've been using the acupressure mat and pillow for over a year, so I developed an understanding of how to use the spike mat & how it benefits me. I use it frequently, especially when my back acts up. Acupressure mats are pretty cool.Some best-selling mats available on Amazon:
At Home Back and Neck Pain Relief - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set - Stress and Sciatic Pain for Optimal Health and Wellness - click here to view it on Amazon.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set - Stress Reliever - Muscle Relaxant - Free Tote Bag - Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set. Comes in a Carry Box with Handle for Storage and Travel - click here to view it on Amazon.
ProSourceFit Acupressure Mat - Find it on Amazon.
Related reading: Why Fresh Mint Tea is My Holy Grail
* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Acupuncture mats are the hot new thing—well, not so new, but you get the point. They help your body feel looser and aid in pain relief via the pressure points. I bought the acupressure mat and pillow set since it was so affordable. Have you tried an acupuncture mat for lower back, neck, and shoulder pain relief? Afterward, it feels like someone gave you a massage or foot rub. You get to feel body relief, and that is a wonderful feeling.
Place the mat on the floor. The spikes stimulate pressure points along the areas of the body. People stay on them for a range of time, from just a few minutes to 30 minutes and up.
I chose the grey acupressure mat & pillow set. Chic. Timeless. But the acupressure mats are available in a delightful range of colors like black, blue, green, pink, purple, & orange. Which color would you pick?
It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief, also.
What are the acupressure mat benefits? Do acupressure mats actually work?
Do acupressure mats do anything? I roll out my spike mat, lie down on it, then roll gently side to side to help release tension in my upper back pain. Essentially, you relax on this “bed of needles” to massage various pressure points on your body. The little spikes can potentially help you self-massage, relieve stress, tension, or pain. It might even help you fall asleep.It helps relieve pain in my right shoulder blade from an injury I got in college. It relaxes my muscles in a way nothing else has (other than the equipment my physical therapist used during my semester of rehabilitation. The acupressure mat & pillow set turned out to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. So worth it. Use it again & again for only $19.99. Worth it for lower back pain. Don't forget that this also comes with an acupressure neck pillow, not only the mat. Your neck could get some relief, also.
It truly feels so good on my back; the pain goes away for a bit. If you're skeptical about acupressure mats, they aren't magical, but they are useful. Use the mat for yourself or buy one for a loved one. Actually, as you get used to it, people love using an acupressure mat for relaxation because it ends up being kind of comfortable once you lay on top of that for a while. You can find different angles and pressures.
Other claims include that it can give you increased energy, better sleep, and reduce pain, but this will vary per person. Different brands might have options like organic cotton, coconut fiber, or a carrying case.
How long should you lay on acupressure mat?
You can place them out on the floor, on the chair, against a wall. You can use it every day, or you may never use it if you keep it hidden away in your garage or closet. Minutes are up to you. On average, I use my mat once per week, but you can easily utilize it more frequently, if not every day. You can do 10 Minutes or lay on it for 30 minutes.I like to leave it in the living room area so it's easily accessible with other fitness gear. If you are new to the whole experience, just try it out for a little bit. Make sure you're wearing clothes so you build up a tolerance & get a feel it. Once you have a grasp of the pain level, you can approach with bare skin so you can feel the full effect. If you want to try bare skin first, that's fine too.
That said, mine is well preserved with no stains or anything. The mat & acupressure pillow both have removable covers. Spot wash & you're ready to go.
Using It For Your Feet: How do you acupressure your feet?
It feels great on your feet, too. If you stand directly on your feet, you'll be applying maximum pressure of all your bodyweight. Use one foot at a time to apply pressure to work on tender areas or increase blood flow. It feels like a foot massage. You can check out a reflexology foot map to see which pain points correspond to what.
Acupressure Mats
You might be interested now and wondering what the best acupressure mats are. There are so many mats and acupressure brands out there, so take things into account as you decide what to buy! Use the mat every day or weekly.
I bought my spike mat on Amazon from a brand called ProSourceFit. Made from 100% thick cotton & plant-based eco-foam, the ProSource acupressure mat has 6,210 acupressure points & the neck acupressure pillow has 1,782 acupressure points. That's a lot of spikes!!
When my shoulder acts up, I use the acupressure mat because it relieves tension. It truly makes the area feel better, relaxed, and relieved. You can use it to help with muscle tension and deep relaxation.
It is recommendation that you do not machine wash these because of the plastic spikes and foam core, just spot clean where you can. Buy an acupressure mat and pillow set, available on Amazon. Grab one for a friend; it makes a great gift!! It may be plastic, but it is effective. Your health is important.
The spike mat is lightweight, making it suitable for travel or rolling up and carrying in a beach bag. It's a great product for a relaxing experience.
This is an affordable relaxation treatment product. Do some research & search for what other users say about products like this. Read customer reviews or top product reviews to see what others say.
Have you tried acupressure therapy? What body pain do you have—neck and shoulders? Back? Feet? Somewhere else? How many minutes do you stay on the mat? Use the mat to see if it helps. I definitely recommend getting one to help stretch or ease pain in areas of the body. Once you get used to the feeling, it's comfortable.
What is a Blog Coach & Consultant? What is a Blogging Coach?
Blogging is hard. Whether you're trying to figure out how to make money, how to build an email list, how to create blog topics, or simply take your blog to the next level, it is a difficult road.
My Blogging Journey
I have been blogging since 2011. I've had so many failures along the way, but I also have plenty of successes. I've worked with brands, gone on press trips, written high-ranking blog posts. I started coaching sessions when some of my friends asked about blogging & I needed to dedicate some one-on-one time with them. Since then, I've worked with over 100 bloggers and people looking to start a blog or web presence.
Need blogging help? I'm here to help bloggers make strides & improvements to their blog. I've been a blogger coach since 2017. I also work with clients for social media services. Bloggers don't have to struggle. I spent many years unable to monetize my blog & yet there so many ways to be making money as a blogger. There are many blogging coaches out there & I guarantee you'll find someone who fits exactly what you're looking for. If you made it to my page maybe you're interested in working with me.
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
A blog consultant & blog coach offers feedback, guidance, & direction.
A lot of people tend to feel overwhelmed when it comes to blogging. There are a lot of questions about it. How often should I be writing? How many blog posts should I write per month? Do I need a professional photographer or is my cell phone okay? I already have a full-time job, how do I focus on blogging?
There is never a one size fits all strategy otherwise there would be a blog post online on it and everyone would be successful. It helps to identify your goal(s) so you can specifically work toward that and identify what success means to you. Some blog coaches offer structured lessons, Facebook masterminds and groups, and all that cool stuff. Everyone is different and you get to decide what is a good fit for you.
When working with me, ultimately, it's your blog & brand. You are free to call all the shots, execute any changes, & implement any strategies. As a professional blogging coach, I give you professional advice & guidance based on over 7 years of agency, corporate, & solo experience. I can give you tips and strategies and marketing advice, but it's up to the individual to implement them.
Take a look at my press & media page for all the brands I've worked with. Whether you're trying to create a better or successful blog strategy, trying to figure out which affiliate networks to use, how to improve your traffic, I provide insight, tips, tricks, & hacks.
My client Nicole came to me asking about blog coaching services. For our coaching sessions, we worked together for a few one-on-one video sessions. Nicole says, "[Carmen] gave me guidance and direction that I never expected! I had to be myself - otherwise, she could not help me the way I needed. She was like an anchor while I was floundering around. She kept me grounded and on track."
You ready for coaching? If you're curious to learn more about me, who I am, what I enjoy, my career background, & more, read my about me page!
Related reading: Life in Quarantine as a San Diego Blogger + Social Media Manager
A blog coach helps you prioritize your business & blog goals.
Whether a client wants real Instagram growth or tips for getting invited to blogger events, I work one on one with people to get them closer to their goals. I am a blog coach & consultant, which means the client is 100% in charge of their destiny. Sometimes I'm a blogging coach & cover things related the client's blog. Sometimes I'm a social media coach & we go over content for Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok. I sit back, look at the data, & allow the client to see their goals clearly. What do they want to achieve? How do they measure success? What needs to get done?
A blog coach helps you find your blog voice & establish your social media presence.
If you're feeling confused about your online presence, don't worry. You might be wondering how to start a blog & especially how to find a blog coach. What do you need to do? How can you stand out? Where do you even begin?!! A professional blogging coach allows you to delve deeper into your own fears & questions to discover who you can best reach & speak to!
"I reached out to Carmen a few months ago. She helped guide me by helping me find my voice and direction. She is an amazing mentor and friend. If you want to start a social media presence she is a good person to have in your corner." says Drea, my blog coaching client for over a year.
A blog business coach challenges you.
Need some help? Ready to make some improvements? It's not easy. This is a blog coach & consultant after all. As a coach, I share information with you & ultimately, YOU put the effort forward to do the work. A social media manager, however, does the work for you. It depends on what you need.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to learn much after the private blog coaching session but the challenge pushed me outside my comfort zone...The push was well worth it and much needed," says my client Stephanie.
With time & effort, a blog coach can get you results that matter (page views, event invites, income, etc!)
Blogging doesn't have to feel super frustrating. Do you want to make money blogging? Do you want to build an email address list? Take your blog to the next level.
"I've already seen massive stat improvements on my blog (I had one post go 'viral' with over 10k+ views in the first 48 hours which is MASSIVE for me). And most of the companies I've reached out to agreed to sponsored posts or collaborations! I just received confirmation that I'll have a press pass to Dogapalooza this year and I'm friggin over the moon! Again, thank you so much for the challenge." says my travel, health, & lifestyle blogging client, Stephanie of Adventures in Aussieland.
Coaching for each blogging client is going to be different. It's based on the blogger, the money they want to spend, & what their goals are for coaching. I know this all sounds kind of odd & scary.
Do you need a blogging coach or help with your email list? Blog coaching services might work for your website. I might be able to help.
How much is a blogging coach?
This ultimately depends if you're looking for a one-time coaching session, coaching sessions with regularity, or are looking for a longer-term commitment. All clients should develop a money budget for a 30-day period one month period. Is it $200 dollars? Is it $500? Is it $1,000? This budget determines the amount of time I can dedicate to coaching while staying within your budget. I do accept smaller budgets but it would likely only be a 30-minute session or a 60-minute session as opposed to consistent help for the month. If someone comes to me & is serious about getting help, I try to do what I can no matter the budget. Bloggers deserve help!
What Is Huitlacoche? What Does Corn Smut Taste Like?
Mexico has a vast range of positively scrumptious food. Authentic Mexican food is next level. A bean & cheese burrito or store-bought taco doesn't quite articulate the multitude of flavor & variety Mexican food has. And then we also have drinks, which is a subject of its own. Don't get me started on horchatas.
Okay, you're searching the internet trying to figure out what the heck is huitlacoche? How do you even use it? Is it edible or do you have to throw it away? Is it safe to eat huitlacoche (corn smut edible)? I've done all the research for you so you can get all the answers right here. Keep scrolling interesting keep reading.
What is huitlacoche in English?
In the United States, American farmers often call it corn smut fungus.
What is huitlacoche (corn smut / ustilago maydis)?
Corn smut is a plant fungus caused by Ustilago maydis. Huitlacoche is basically a corn mushroom or corn truffle that grows on the infected corn kernels on corn plants. You might know it as corn smut or common smut. While most farmers in the United States would consider this fungal plant disease an infection worthy of eradication, fungus corn smut is considered a delicacy in Mexico, more commonly referred to as "huitlacoche." You might even hear it referred to as cuitlacoche, corn truffles, Mexican truffle, Mexican huitlacoche, maizteca mushrooms, corn mushrooms, & bunch of other terms.
Is Huitlacoche Safe to Eat?
If you're left wondering: well, is this fungus safe to eat? Yes! The corn fungus caused by ustilago maydis can be found on ears of corn is considered a maize mushroom or type of edible mushroom. Yes, it's safe to eat. It's actually a Mexican delicacy. Taste a piece of Mexico. Not only is it safe to eat but there are plenty of ways that you can eat it & make it - from huitlacoche quesadillas to soups to tamales. You can eat it in a lot of savory and smoky dishes with some salt and pepper.
Can You Eat It While Pregnant?
I'm not a doctor so I am no clue about that; make sure to check with your own doctor based on your own health conditions. Definitely worth asking your doctor before ordering some at a restaurant. Just to be on the safe side!
How Is Huitlacoche Pronounced?
That's a great question because it's somewhat difficult when you first look at it. You can pronounce it weet-la-ko-che (the 'che' should sound like 'che' in 'checkers.') If you want to be super authentic then you can pronounce it more like "hwee-tla-ko-che."
Huitlacoche Taste - What does fresh huitlacoche smell like, taste like, look like?
Don't forget this corn growth is a culinary delicacy. The plant fungus grows on corn kernels. The infected kernels change color & shape. The name corn smut fungus doesn't sound so appetizing, so I love referring to its name in its mother tongue. I first tried huitlacoche back in 2016; I even mentioned it in my July A - Z monthly recap & my July Favorites. Mexican cuisine is delicious; I always eat something new & foods can vary by state & by cities. My boyfriend's mom made a fresh batch. Fred's parents are from Central Mexico. I've been able to taste some delicious Mexican food homemade by Fred's mom, including some regional specialties from their hometown.
I ate it by itself, as a side. It's earthy but not as stinky as mushrooms. It tastes like corn, even though it is a plant fungus. The spongy texture is a bit mushy, just like cooked corn. There might be an occasional fiber from the corn. It looks dark, like a blackish, brownish color, due to the corn fungus kind of the same color as a crimini mushroom or Portobello mushroom. If you enjoy mushrooms or kind of earthier foods with that type of texture, you will probably agree with the taste of huitlacoche corn smuts. You can find huitlaoche recipes online to cook it yourself.
How do you eat huitlacoche? How do you cook it?
You can use this smut delicacy many ways. There are plenty of recipes. It's a versatile ingredient. You don't eat it off the cob as you would regular ears of corn. I loooove quesadillas de huitlacoche. The ingredients you'll are need organic corn tortilla, cheese, huitlacoche, that's it. You can use flour or corn tortillas. Delicious. If quesadillas aren't your thing, you can use huitlacoche Mexican truffle in your soup or burrito. You can make a huitlacoche taco or sopes. Basically, you can add huitlacoche as a filler or side, the same way you'd integrate something like black beans or mushrooms. Just check some recipes online. You can eat it with a tortilla or as a side dish on its own. You can add it to various types of dishes such as soups, tamales, huitlacoche tacos, whatever your heart desires.You can add onion, garlic, corn, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla, epazote leaves. These are common ingredients that go together with huitlacoche. Huitlacoche dishes to add some delicious earthy flavor and texture to the meal.
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| What does huitlacoche look like? |
What's the nutritional value of huitlacoche?
High Protein
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
Where Can I Find it
You're likely to find it at a Mexican restaurant but there are some canned huitlacoche varieties as well. I haven't tried canned, only fresh huitlacoche, so I can't say from experience. Fresh is usually always best. You can even go to a Mexican market to see if they have it or know someone who grows it. Know any farmers? Ask them. Farmers might be a good place to start.
So what do you think? Did I convince you to try it? Technically it's a corn fungus but that shouldn't stop you from trying something you could potentially really enjoy. I've had plenty of times & each of the restaurants makes it their own unique way. The seasoning might be different or the flavors or the texture but it's the same main ingredient no matter what. If you're traveling to Mexico, you might find it frequently in a quesadilla, Sometimes a quesadilla trio with floor de Calabasas (squash blossoms) huitlacoche, & then whatever other option they have.
Would you eat huitlacoche or quesadillas de huitlacoche? It's essentially a corn truffle or corn mushroom. Yes, it's a corn fungus but it sure is tasty! What is your favorite food item from Mexico? Have you? How do you like to eat it? Leave a comment below if you have any questions! :]
Hopefully, this answers all your questions. Just wait until you try huitlacoche quesadillas. If it doesn't, leave the question below & I'll see what I can do. Happy eating. I hope you order it the next time you see it on the menu now that you know exactly what it is, where it comes from, & potentially what it'll taste like.
Things to do in Mexico
Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood, read here.
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret.
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