Nestled in the northeastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a vibrant U.S. territory where Spanish, Taíno, African, and American influences blend seamlessly. For me, it's more than just a beautiful island-it's where I was born, and its bold, comforting flavors have always been a part of my life.
Fun Facts About Puerto Rico
- Mosquito Bay on Vieques is home to one of the world's brightest bioluminescent bays, glowing thanks to millions of tiny dinoflagellates.
- El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
- The piña colada was created in the 1950s at San Juan's Caribe Hilton Hotel.
- Puerto Rico has the highest density of Starbucks locations of any U.S. state or territory.
Iconic Puerto Rican Recipes
Mofongo - Fried green plantains mashed with crispy pork crackling, garlic, and broth for a rich, comforting dish.
Alcapurrias - Deep-fried fritters made from masa (a blend of root vegetables and green banana), stuffed with savory ground beef.
Tembleque - A silky coconut pudding thickened with cornstarch and infused with cinnamon, a favorite local dessert.
Asopao - A hearty rice stew packed with garlic, pigeon peas, and your choice of meat or seafood.
Picadillo - A flavorful ground beef dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, raisins, and warm spices, often used as a filling for empanadas and alcapurrias.
From the colorful streets of Old San Juan to the lush rainforests of El Yunque, Puerto Rico captivates the senses, and its bold, diverse flavors-shaped by centuries of cultural fusion-make it one of the most unique and delicious cuisines in the Caribbean. ¡Buen provecho!
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