Drinking Water and Eating Fruits, Vegetables and Fish in Mexico

DON’T BELIEVE THE LIES

One of the joys of visiting or living in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is having an abundance of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables available. Mexican food was the first national cuisine to be recognized by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the “List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage” items in the world. Many visitors to the area, who rent condos or vacation homes, enjoy shopping for fresh produce and cooking at home.  Many have discovered the Central Market and the many small vendor shops in Zihuatanejo, where you can stroll down the streets and buy wonderful tropical fruits and fresh vegetables.

Whether you eat out or cook at home, don’t miss the chance to taste our delicious fruits and salads just because somebody told you not to eat raw vegetables while in Mexico!  Mexico has the unjustified reputation of giving people “Montezuma’s Revenge,” blamed on drinking water and consuming vegetables. But, in fact, most of the time, foreign tourists get sick from the change of food and habitat. Tourists often indulge in different foods, sea foods, extra beers and too much sun. This change of diet and climate is often the cause of most stomach problems.

There are some precautions that foreigners should take in regard to fruits, vegetables, fish and drinking water in Mexico.

Wash Fruits, Vegetables and Fish in Anti-Germ Solution Fruits, vegetables and fish should be washed in a commercial anti-germ solution before preparing them for fresh salads or before cooking. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is a tourism destination, so most restaurants and hotels take this precaution when preparing your food. If in doubt, ask! Also, look for restaurants and hotels that display the “Distintivo M” sign (SECTUR :: Distintivo M), which is a recognition by the State Secretary of Tourism for their hygiene and operational standards.