Flan is well-known around the globe and can be found in most countries, but it is particularly popular in Mexico. It is therefore not unexpected that some assume this dish originated in Mexican areas. Also, the name of the same sounds Mexican or Spanish in certain ways, implying that flan is of Mexican origin. Yet, where did flan originate, and is it really of Mexican origin?
The notion of flan originated in Ancient Rome, implying that Romans were the first to experiment with a dessert comprised of eggs and milk covered with honey. The dessert was then transferred to Spain, where it was somewhat modified before making its way to Mexico, where it is now most regularly served.
It is necessary for flan enthusiasts to understand more about this delectable dessert and its cultural heritage. In this post, I will go through the whole history of flan, including how it came to be such a famous dish recognized all over the globe. I’ll explain the cultural significance of flan as well as some intriguing facts about it, so you may fall even more in love with the delicacy.
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Who Invented Flan?
If this is your first time researching flan, you’re probably expecting to learn about Mexicans and how they originated this delicacy. Another possibility is that you may expect to read anything about Spain and how the Spanish invented flan. This is acceptable given that the term flan seems rather Hispanic, if not French.
Yet, flan may be traced back to the Roman Empire and the methods in which the Romans innovated new things. Individuals from Ancient Rome made significant contributions to the things we have and use today, so it seems to reason that the Romans would be the first to create a dessert comprised of milk and eggs with honey on top. In other words, the Romans were the first to conceive the notion of flan, yet the flan we know now is not the same as it was back then.
You’re probably wondering how they came up with the concept in the first place, but the solution is simple. As previously said, the Romans were the first in history to domesticate and care for chickens in order to utilize their products later. This implies that after they began doing this, they were left with an abundance of surplus eggs, which they must find a way to employ in various cuisines.
They borrowed the Greeks’ skills for utilizing eggs in various dishes and began experimenting, yielding multiple outcomes, one of which was flan. Nevertheless, the flan was not as sweet as it is now, resulting in a more savory taste and flavor. But, they then began to use honey, which made the dish taste sweeter and better.
The Romans disseminated their habits and practices over various nations, including Spain, as they advanced throughout the globe. As the Spaniards began producing this delicacy, they began modifying the recipe, for example, they were the first to put caramel sauce on top of the dish. The Spanish extended their culture in the same manner that the Romans did, and flan finally made its way to Mexico.
Adding flan to Mexican culture yielded the best results, indicating that the dessert was elevated to a new level. Mexicans infused the dish with a variety of tastes, including coffee, coconut, and chocolate. Flan quickly became the most popular dessert in Mexico, and it quickly expanded across Latin America.
Cultural Importance of Flan
Flan conveys the notion of how culture may travel from country to country and how anything that comes in from the outside can be good. In the case of flan, the Romans invented the idea, but the Mexicans completely refined it and pushed it to the next level, therefore improving the dessert we enjoy today. The Spanish also had an essential role in spreading this culture over various areas.
Having stated that, it is apparent that we need distinct cultures in order to progress in many areas. Flan is only one example of cultural growth, but this is true of most notions seen in many places throughout the globe. The phases through which flan evolved provide a vivid picture of how humans have progressed and grown throughout history.
How Do You Pronounce Flan?
Many people think that in order to correctly pronounce the name of the dessert, you must adopt a unique accent or pronunciation. But, the word’s pronunciation is fairly straightforward; you speak it in such manner so that it rhymes with lawn.
The term derives from French flaon and late Roman fladon, which was subsequently evolved from Old German flado, which means “flat item” or “flat cake.”
Interesting Facts About Flan
Since flan has such a long history and growth, several intriguing facts about this renowned dessert are to be anticipated. Since flan travelled through numerous civilizations before taking on the shape we know today, several changes were made for specific reasons. It’s also useful to understand how flan was used in the past and how it’s utilized presently. Prepare to be astonished by the facts that follow.
Flan Was Considered Healthy Food in the Roman Empire
When the Romans invented this dessert, they believed it was a healthy dish that helped to soothe the kidneys, chest, and liver. Moreover, it was thought that flan may boost fertility and prevent urinary tract infections.
Mexicans Took Flan to the Next Level
Mexicans were responsible for introducing new tastes to flan, and some of these flavors are still not seen in other kinds of sweets. For example, the coffee taste in flan is a Mexican creation that they are quite proud of. Additionally, the coconut and chocolate tastes were groundbreaking additions to a previously simple recipe that just included milk, eggs, and honey.
There Are Special Latin Recipes of Flan
While flan is now most typically served in Mexico and other Latin nations, there are recipes that are unique to those countries. For example, the Goya flan recipe is entirely Latin in origin and is often cooked in the Latin areas. The Goya flan is seldom seen in European nations unless you make it yourself at home.
There Are Special Types of Flans Around the World
While flan reached its pinnacle of growth as it entered Mexican culture, there are currently other sorts of flans that are popular in certain locations across the globe. As a result, there is British savory flan, French custard flan, and Spanish custard flan. These are the most common, although if you’re specifically looking for flans, you’ll undoubtedly come across a lot more.
What Are Different Types of Flan?
Since individuals and chefs like experimenting, particularly with sweets, there are many different varieties of flans available today. Chocolate flan, coffee flan, caramel flan, coconut flan, and cream cheese flan are some of the most popular forms of flan.
As you can see, flan has a long and intriguing history, and it has evolved in a unique fashion. The flan we know today, however, is nothing like the original from which the notion evolved.
FAQs
Where was flan invented?
Flan began as a savory meal in Rome. It was often served with meat or fish. Nevertheless, when a chef added honey to make a sweet version, the meal became very famous, and cultures all over the globe took note. The recipe was borrowed by the Spaniards, who added their own flavor.
What is the history of flan in Mexico?
The Spanish introduced flan to Mexico as a flat cake during their conquest and occupancy; the French name flan is derived from the Old German word flaon, which means “flat cake.” Flamboyance is famous in Mexico due to its association to home cooking and comida corrida restaurants.
Is flan Spanish or Mexican?
The Spaniards were the most enamoured with this dessert of all the peoples who were exposed to it (and were the first to top it with a sweet caramel sauce). The Spanish, like the Romans before them, introduced flan to new regions when the famed explorer Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 1518.
Is flan Mexican or Puerto Rican?
Flan is a traditional Puerto Rican delicacy prepared with milk and eggs (also called as an egg custard by many). This custard is traditionally poured over a caramelized sugar foundation, cooked, and then turned upside down to show a lovely caramel coating.
What is the cultural significance of flan?
Flan has a long history dating back to ancient Rome. The Romans, after all, were the first society to domesticate hens for agricultural reasons. With a surplus of eggs on hand, they started devising recipes using the edible egg as the major component. As a result, flan was born.
What is the cultural origin of flan?
The origins of flan may be traced back to ancient Rome, when egg surpluses were converted into custards with both sweet and savory flavors. It was brought to America by the Spanish and became a delicacy. Because of the Mexicans’ major impact on the recipe, it developed into today’s sweet staple.
What is the history of flan in Cuba?
Flan dates back to Roman times, and some believe it is a Greek dish that the Romans adapted. The Greeks were renowned to be significantly superior chefs than the Romans at the time. Flan was not the sweet Cuban dish we’ve grown to adore at the time. It was genuinely savory and served with meat, frequently eel.
What is Mexican flan made of?
What exactly is Mexican flan comprised of? This classic Mexican dish has just four ingredients: eggs, cream cheese, condensed and evaporated milk.
Is flan a Spanish desert?
Flan is one of the most simple and delicious Spanish sweets. Homemade flan is certainly worth preparing; I hope you will give it a try! Flan is a light, creamy dish that defines Spain.