
I am baking a potato. A russet potato. To most, this would not seem like a big deal, nothing to even mention. But among my friends here in Mexico, their first words were “WHERE did you find them?”
Russet potatoes, like many items easily found north of the border, are almost impossible to find in Mexico. Why would something as innocuous as a potato be so difficult to find here?
I did some research and found that the National Confederation of Potato Producers of Mexico (CONPAPA) is not allowing the importation of U.S. potatoes due to health issues. Its policy does not refer to a complete ban, but rather restricts the importation of fresh potatoes to areas near the border (a 26 KM-wide area). It also fully allows the importation of semi-processed and frozen potatoes. U.S. potatoes were found to have 43 quarantine diseases not found in Mexico, which could adversely affect local crops.
Some other food in Mexico also cannot readily be found locally, but since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented in 1994, we have access to many more imported items. Sometimes things can be prohibitively expensive, though. California wine comes to mind, but in general everything is available at a price.
Many expats follow the “if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with” rule and buy locally. Local produce in Mexico includes mangoes, papaya, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, avocadoes, zucchini, mamey, verdolaga, spinach and other wonderful greens.
I live on the coastline so we also have access to the fresh fish markets where we can buy all kinds of ocean delicacies: red snapper, sea bass, tuna, octopus, shrimp, oysters and squid.
To spice up your life, forage through the spices and chiles you’ll find in municipal markets and “bodega” stores. You can also buy bulk items such as beans, rice and other legumes, which are fresh and plentiful.
Buying locally has many advantages, economic ones especially. I can fill up my pantry with groceries at the local markets for under US$50 a week.
So, back to my russet potato story: I made the big score last week, nothing illegal, but felt like I had found the Holy Grail. An online grocery store in Mexico City, which sells heirloom tomatoes, baby vegetables and what I would call exotic food, also sells, yes, russet potatoes! If you are curious, post a comment and I’ll give you the URL.
Hasta la proxima!
My philosophy is that if I cannot find it below the border, I can easily live without it. It’s a matter of changing habits.
I agree 100%!
Have you found brown sugar?
There are a few local businesses here that sell brown sugar. Los Mercados and Casa Gourmet are two that come to mind and I think the Mega also has brown sugar.
Do they send to PV?
They DO send to PV, next day delivery!
Thank you all for your comments. As promised, here is the URL for the website I mentioned.
https://ingredienta.com
Maria,… Thank you!
Twice Baked Russets are in my future. ?
And by the look of this site, might have to go back to work, lol. NOT!
But will be ordering with them.
Signed: Lil’ ?
Hola. Do you happen to know if they deliver to Mérida? Thanks!
They are currently using Volaris to ship orders from CDMX to Vallarta so I would imagine that they would also be able to ship to Merida as Volaris has direct flights between CDMX and Merida. Their online chat is super helpful so if you have questions, I would just go on their website and ask them!
Thanks!
I too agree 100% with Felipe. We’ve lived in Mexico in retirement for nearly 10 years now. Our diet is healthier and we feel more vibrant. The Lake Chapala region is home and the weekly tianguis on Monday in Chapala & on Wednesday in Ajijic provides more than an adequate source for all our fruit and vegetables needs–we don’t even visit the Produce section of the local supermarkets.
I would love the url to order russets
https://ingredienta.com
Too cool. I am interested in the legendary Russets, I sam from Southern Alberta Home to the Taters.
Any info on acquiring them would be appreciated. Ian
Can I get russet pototoes in Mexico City