YAQUIS DIET: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The diet of the Yaquis is related to their agricultural and livestock activities. The Yaquis have dedicated themselves to cattle ranching, fishing and especially agriculture, so that the basic carbohydrates in their diet are wheat, corn, beans and chickpeas.

Added to this, the proximity of the towns to the Yaqui River facilitates access to fresh water for irrigation of the planting lands.

It is estimated that 95% of the Yaqui population is dedicated to agriculture as an economic activity, counting on crops of chili (hot pepper), alfalfa, soy, safflower and fruits such as lemon and orange.

In his book Notions of the history of Sonora, the writer Laureano Calvo Berber stated the following about the Yaquis: "They lived mainly by growing corn, hunting, fishing and gathering insects, seeds and spontaneous fruits."

The 6 most typical foods of the Yaquis

1- Wakabaki

One of the main typical dishes of the Yaqui ethnic group is known as wakabaki (or guacavaqui) and consists of a composite broth made from beef rib that includes chickpeas, potatoes, cabbage, carrots and pumpkins.

It is traditionally made outdoors, over a charcoal or wood fire, and can include cobs and chilies or hot peppers to enhance the flavors.

2- Corn tortillas

Corn tortillas, traditional throughout Mexico, are also part of the cuisine of the Yaquis.

They are eaten stuffed with beef as in the famous tacos, and also as a side to any meal. Not for nothing are they known as Mexican bread.

3- Birds and small mammals

Yaquis are also hunter-gatherers, so it is common for their cuisine to find dishes made from various desert birds.

There are also many dishes based on hare, rabbit, badger and even scallops made with onion, garlic, lemon and avocado.

Badger meat (or coati, a species of raccoon) is also present in Yaqui food in roasted or fried form, like chicharrones.

4- Garamundlo seeds

Living mainly in desert areas, cacti are common in Yaquis' day-to-day lives. One species of cactus in particular, known as garambullo, is also part of their diet.

Its seeds are purple in color and are used to make sweets, preserves and even ice cream, although it is also common to see garambullo water as an infusion. These seeds are also processed and packaged as jelly or marmalade.

5- Guacaponi

The well-known guacapoponi is a stew of crushed and fried beef, which is traditionally served with beans and corn tortillas.

These two contours also accompany guacavaqui, another meat-based dish that is cooked together with chickpea and rice.

6- Mezcal and coffee

The traditional Mexican mezcal is also present among the drinks preferred by the Yaquis.

These also include coffee as a strong cultural element. It is one of the agricultural products of this indigenous group.

References

1. Berber, Laureano Calvo. (1958) Notions of the history of Sonora. Mexico City: Libreria de Manuel Porrua, S A.
2. Wikipedia - Yaqui en.wikipedia.org
3. SIC México - Yaqui Cuisine, from Sonora sic.cultura.gob.mx
4. The Typical Yaqui Dish for Excellence, the "Wakabaki" obson.wordpress.com
5. Tecnológico de Monterrey - Los Yaquis mty.itesm.mx