A burrito is a popular Mexican food consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling. The Spanish word “burrito” literally means “little donkey” which leads many to wonder, why is this wrapped dish named after a baby donkey?
The History of the Burrito
The origins of the burrito can be traced back to Northern Mexico in the 19th century. At the time, donkeys were an integral part of everyday life and used as beasts of burden for transportation and carrying goods. Donkey drivers would often pack their food in tortillas for lunch on the road. These compact, portable wraps allowed them to eat with one hand while still holding the reins. The dish became known as the “burrito” or “little donkey” – a nod to how it was eaten by donkey drivers.
The burrito then spread beyond Northern Mexico after the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. Refugees and migrants brought burrito recipes with them to other parts of Mexico and the American Southwest. It became popularized in America through fast food chains like Taco Bell in the 1960s and grew into the staple Mexican food we know today.
Why the “Little Donkey” Name Stuck
Even after burritos spread around North America, the unusual name stuck. There are a few reasons for this:
- The nickname was catchy and memorable
- It was a nod to the burrito’s origins as donkey driver food
- A burrito swaddled in a flour tortilla resembles the shape of a little donkey when wrapped up
- The name distinguished it from other Mexican dishes like the taco and enchilada
Additionally, “burrito” was easier to pronounce for English speakers than the longer Spanish name “burrito de maguey.” So while it may seem like an odd name now, “little donkey” made sense given the history and accessibility of the word burrito.
Modern Burrito Fillings
While burritos originated as simple meat and bean wraps, today’s burritos are filled with a wide variety of ingredients. Some popular burrito fillings include:
| Meat Fillings | Vegetable Fillings | Cheese | Rice | Beans | Sauces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Lettuce | Cheddar | Spanish rice | Refried beans | Salsa |
| Steak | Tomatoes | Queso | Cilantro lime rice | Black beans | Guacamole |
| Carnitas | Onions | Pepper jack | Brown rice | Pinto beans | Sour cream |
| Chorizo | Jalapeños | Monterey Jack | |||
| Al Pastor | Bell peppers |
Regional variations have also emerged with fillings like shrimp, French fries, and even sushi incorporated into burritos around the world. While no longer just meat and beans, the essence of burritos – customizable ingredients wrapped in a flour tortilla – remains the same.
Burrito vs. Wrap vs. Taco
Burritos are sometimes confused with similar wrapped foods like wraps and tacos. Here are the key differences:
Burrito vs. Wrap
- A burrito uses a flour tortilla; a wrap typically uses a flatbread or lavash.
- Burritos are often stuffed with beans, rice, cheese – more hefty fillings.
- Wraps usually contain lighter ingredients like veggies, hummus, deli meats.
- Burritos are a traditional Mexican dish. Wraps trace their origins to the Middle East.
Burrito vs. Taco
- Tacos are made with corn tortillas; burrito tortillas are flour-based.
- Tacos are U-shaped and open-ended. Burritos are fully enclosed tubes.
- Tacos are topped with ingredients while burrito fillings are sealed within the tortilla.
- Tacos are generally smaller with fewer ingredients than burritos.
Burrito Consumption in the United States
Burritos are extremely popular in America today. Here are some key stats:
- Over 2 billion burritos are consumed in the US annually.
- 600 million burritos were sold in 2020 from restaurants alone.
- 62% of Americans eat burritos at least occasionally.
- Fast food chains like Chipotle and Qdoba have popularized burritos around the country.
- West coast states like California, Arizona, and Colorado consume the most burritos per capita.
Clearly, Americans can’t get enough of these convenient Mexican wraps! From breakfast burritos to California burritos, burrito consumption will likely continue rising in years to come.
Global Variations of Burritos
While burritos originated in Mexico, they have spread around the world and been adapted to local cultures. Here are some global burrito variations:
| Country | Burrito Variations |
|---|---|
| United States | California burrito – stuffed with french fries! |
| India | Vada pav – spicy potato burrito |
| Vietnam | Bánh mì – French bread enveloping meats and veggies |
| Russia | Sherjul – flour tortilla with lamb and onions |
| Japan | Temaki – large seaweed cone filled with sushi |
From street foods to gourmet interpretations, the burrito concept has been adapted to suit the local palates across the globe. The basic customizable and handheld format remains unchanged.
Why the Burrito Has Stayed Popular
The burrito has clearly come a long way from its humble “little donkey” origins. So why has this wrapped food become so widespread and stood the test of time? A few reasons:
- Its portability – easy to hold and eat on the go
- Endless customization with different fillings and toppings
- Satisfying balance of starches, proteins, veggies in one package
- Convenience – easy to make ahead of time or assemble fresh
- Versatility as a snack, meal, or party food
Of course, one of the biggest factors is simply delicious taste! Soft flour tortilla and favorite fillings wrapped up into a tidy burrito is hard to beat in terms of flavor and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Burritos may have a funny name meaning “little donkey,” but they have become a beloved food phenomenon around the world. Originating in Mexico as donkey driver food, these wrapped treats have spread across the globe in countless iterations. However, the essence remains the same – a soft tortilla enveloping flavorsome fillings into a perfect portable package. So next time you bite into a burrito, remember the humble beginnings of this now ubiquitous food!