Break the diet, but not the tradition
The study by Zinklar, a company specialized in market research, detailed that more than half of Mexicans have reduced their consumption of bread in recent months. The majority (45%) have done so out of “nutritional awareness” and the same for reasons of the escalation of prices for this product.
Paradoxically, more than 8 out of every 10 Mexicans assure that they will consume bread of the dead in this season. Some out of pleasure and some more out of simple “consumerism”, point out the results of the survey.
From last year to this year, the increase in pan de muerte has been 40%, representing 2 and up to 30 pesos more in each presentation, indicated the National Alliance of Small Merchants (Anpec).
Miniature presentations, the winners
The bread of the dead has part of its roots in pre-Hispanic civilizations, since, just as today an offering is offered to departed loved ones, the Aztecs and other indigenous groups offered food and drinks to the spirits as a way of gratitude, he points out. Anpec in a statement.
The bread of the dead has been transforming and at least 68% of those surveyed affirm that they do like to consume miniature presentations of the bread of the dead, instead of the larger traditional options.
The main reasons are taste, the fact that they are low in calories or cholesterol and that they are individual servings. Additionally, some of these mini breads of the dead are ideal for placing on altars and Mexicans are less likely to waste food.
Zinklar’s study also indicates that 80% of Mexicans usually buy their pan de muerte at the local bakery and 67% answered that they also do so in supermarkets.
Meanings of the shape of the bread of the dead
Its round shape represents eternity, and the strips of dough on top symbolize the bones of the deceased. In the center, a ball of dough is often placed to represent the heart of the person who has passed away. Furthermore, the sugar sprinkled on the bread evokes the powder placed on offerings to quench thirsty souls.
How much does it cost to prepare a pan de muerte?
To prepare half a kilo of dough and have six loaves of dead bread you need:
Half a kilo of wheat flour: 22 pesos.
Two eggs: 6 pesos.
One sachet of dry yeast (10 grams): 7.6 pesos.
200 grams of sugar: 13.50 pesos per half kilo.
Sesame: 13.50 pesos per 100 gr.
vanilla spoon
Ground cinnamon
In total, with the cost of the main ingredients, the total cost of making pan de muerte at home is 62 pesos. A cost of 10.33 pesos per unit.