By Mary Ellen Psaltis
When you are intrigued by the thought of a south of the border treasure hunt, consider stepping inside one of our local Hispanic grocery stores. You will still be in Olympia when you exit the building, but you’ll feel like you have just returned from Mexico. You can also take home a bag full of fresh produce, spices and other items that might currently be missing from your kitchen. You are not required to be a culinary expert or to speak a word of Spanish, though either of those skills could come in handy. It’s time for an adventure.
The Ramirez Mexican Store, owned by husband and wife team Jose Ramirez and Maria Jimenez, is located in Tumwater. Their three children also work there alongside aunts and uncles. Even Grandma gets involved. They are happy to answer your questions and help you find the items on your list. With open hours every day of the week, you ought to be able to find a convenient time to visit.
Edith Flores works at Los Amigos on Lacey Blvd. Although her English is limited, her Spanish is great. Pointing works well.
There’s a lot to see inside these stores, even though there is not excessive floor space. Many items are not familiar and the aisles are packed from top to bottom. Take your time. It’s worth it. Here are a few tips.
Produce:
You will find easily identifiable food like limes and pineapples. Then there are lesser known such as yucca (cassava) and espasote (pungent herb). If you inclined to make salsa verde (green sauce), there are plenty of tomatillos, which looked like little green tomatoes wrapped in paper. There will be a box of nopals, which are the young pads of the prickly pear cactus. They are cooked and used in salsas, salads, added to eggs and any number of side dishes.
Chilies: Fresh or dried
Bags of guajillo chile (sweet heat) and California chile (mild) line the walls. It’s all about taste testing to find the ones you like to use in cooking and eating.
Spices:
You need to stand in front of the display and just read them all. There are blends of all imaginations. I especially like the shaker of chile and limon, a combination of chiles molidos and lemon that turns carrot and jacama slices into tasty appetizers or snacks. I also put it into stews and soups.
Baked Goods:
The case of baked goods is typically Mexican – doughy sweet breads, and there is usually one that is pink.
Cheeses:
Hard cheeses: Cojita and anejo enchilada are used to top beans, salads and even grilled meats. Melting cheeses are queso quesadilla (mild), asadero (stronger flavor), manchego (tangy), Oaxaca and Chihuahua (also mild). Fresh cheeses include queso blanco and panela.
Tortillas:
Ramirez makes corn tortillas each day. Fresh flour tortillas are also delivered regularly. Heated tortillas can be stuffed with eggs and cheese for breakfast, vegetables and rice for lunch and meat and beans for dinner. Practically anything goes with a tortilla.
Looking for cuts of meat?
You will find a cooler with many of the following:
- Beef Fajita
- Asada (Steak)
- Barbacoa (Shredded Beef)
- Pollo (Chicken)
- Al Pastor (Seasoned Pork)
- Carnitas (Pulled Pork)
- Lengua (Beef Tongue)
- Chicken Fajita
Corn Husks: Make your own tamales.
Other Items:
The tall pillar candles (right by the laundry soap) are used for home altars, celebrations and for religious ceremonies.
There are large sections of packaged cookies and candies. Some will look familiar and others won’t. This is an adventure, after all. There are lots of dried beans that you can soak and cook your own for soup, casseroles, and other side dishes.
Drinks and chocolate are also waiting for you. And just some fun stuff you don’t usually find at your regular grocery store.
Ramirez Mexican Store makes a great variety of fresh salsas that you can take home and enjoy.
- Green Salsa – Tomatillos, Green Tomatoes (2 peppers spicy) $4.19/16oz
- Red Salsa – Tomato (2 peppers spicy) $4.19/16oz
- Pico de Gallo Salsa – Chunky, Tomato, Onion, & Cilantro (1 pepper spicy) $4.19/16oz
- Borracha Salsa – Jalapeno, Serrano Chile, and Tomato (3 peppers spicy) $4.49/16oz
- Irene’s Extra Hot Salsa – Dried Chile Pods, and Arbol dried Chile (2 peppers spicy) $4.29/16oz
- Habanero Salsa (4 peppers spicy) $4.90/16oz
Still unsure?
Pick up some fresh tortillas, one spice mix, and a package of cheese, beans, a lime and some Ibarra chocolate. Squirt the lime on your fruit salad, make a few burritos and melt the chocolate into a mug of milk. It’s a great start.
I travel to Mexico on a regular basis. One of my favorite stops is in the grocery store. I already know the aisles of my local store and it’s fun for me to look at something new. That way I can add variety and more flavors to whatever I am cooking at home. And, a piece of good news: If you aren’t in the mood for cooking, you can enjoy a fine Mexican meal at the Ramirez restaurant. Eat in or out. That’s as easy as one, two, three.
So, amigas and amigos, enjoy the flavors of Mexico – right here in town.
Eat Well – Be Well.
5105 Capitol Blvd. SW #C in Tumwater
360-753-1829
Los Amigos Mexican Store
4507 Lacey Blvd SE in Olympia
360-923-5660
