The drought is taking the flavor out of tacos, gorditas, and more. Cilantro prices have increased by 400%
A tough blow to the wallet: one of the most important ingredients in our cuisine is selling for almost four times the price. The price of cilantro, this essential ingredient for many street foods like gorditas and taquitos, has increased considerably.
The price of cilantro increases dramatically
Cilantro is a staple on every Mexican table. It's one of the most prized and consumed ingredients; however, in recent weeks, its price has skyrocketed.
A kilo of cilantro used to cost between 100 and 120 pesos, a small bunch at the market was less than 5 pesos, and at the supermarket between 10 and 20 pesos. Now, a kilo of cilantro can cost approximately between 400 and 700 pesos, an unprecedented situation. These days, a bunch of cilantro at the market costs 15 pesos, and at the supermarket between 25 and 40 pesos.
Why is cilantro so expensive?
The sharp increase in the price of cilantro is due to a shortage caused by a prolonged drought. According to the National Market Information and Integration System (SNIIM), the abrupt weather changes of recent weeks are the main cause.
In addition to the long drought that the country has experienced, it has also been reported that the recent hailstorms in the state of Puebla, one of the main producers of cilantro in the country, have affected many crops.
This is affecting the planting of not only cilantro, but also other crops. Given the weather conditions, many producers have chosen not to harvest cilantro, as they believe it is no longer profitable and that there is a high risk of losing the crops, which could negatively impact their livelihoods.
The drought takes away the flavor of the tacos
Unfortunately, this increase in the price of cilantro has affected a large number of businesses, especially street vendors. Taco stands have had to choose between sacrificing profits in order to continue offering quality service to their regular customers.
While others opted to remove cilantro from their menu to avoid impacting their finances, unfortunately, this has removed a crucial element from one of Mexico's most iconic dishes.
The price is not expected to decrease, at least not in June. With cilantro's high price and shortages of some products, taco stands have been the hardest hit. Not only cilantro, but pineapple has also risen in price to almost $50 per kilogram.
Furthermore, due to droughts, corn and bean production has decreased, leading to increased imports of these products and driving up prices. Undoubtedly, taco stands have been severely affected and will seek solutions to encourage consumption of their products.
