Renowned chef and TV personality Pati Jinich has recently taken on an exciting new venture. Amidst the ongoing success of her PBS program, “Pati’s Mexican Table,” now entering its 13th season, Jinich has been appointed the culinary ambassador for Avocados From Mexico®, the leading avocado brand in the United States. This marks a significant milestone as she becomes the brand’s first-ever avocado culinary ambassador. In this role, Jinich aims to inspire home cooks and culinary experts alike to explore innovative ways to incorporate avocados into a variety of dishes. Through a series of curated recipes and educational content, she plans to showcase the versatility of avocados beyond their traditional uses.
Jinich’s collaboration with Avocados From Mexico is not entirely new; she has partnered with the brand for nearly a decade, with their support becoming a constant presence throughout her culinary journey. As she embraces her new role, Jinich emphasizes the cultural significance of the avocado within Mexican cuisine. “The avocado really represents how Mexican cuisine is kind of borderless,” she explains. “If you put avocado on pizza, it makes your pizza better. Avocado for baking is also super fun—I make these incredible oatmeal avocado and banana pancakes.” This commitment to reimagining the avocado’s potential is not only an exciting culinary challenge but also a celebration of cultural fusion.
Pati Jinich is not just a proponent of delicious recipes; she delves deeper into the heart of Mexican culture. Born and raised in Mexico City, she now resides in Washington D.C., traveling extensively throughout Mexico to document and share the richness of its culinary landscape. In her television series and cookbooks, she presents not only the classic recipes but also the stories and traditions behind them—the essence of what makes Mexican cuisine so revered and loved globally. Her recent accolades, including the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Docuseries for “La Frontera with Pati Jinich,” further attest to her dedication to exploring cultural narratives through food.
“The Borderlands is a space of enrichment not just for its residents but for both Mexico and the U.S.,” Jinich reflects. “With 31 million people enriching their communities across borders, we need more content that focuses on our commonalities.” Through her storytelling, she aims to shed light on the challenges and triumphs of communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. By showcasing their culinary contributions, she hopes to change perceptions and create a narrative that reflects the beauty of cultural exchange.
Despite the challenges faced by those living in the borderlands, Jinich maintains a focus on positivity. She believes that Mexican culture, fortified by resilience and creativity, deserves to be celebrated. “People are seeing the Borderlands and the roles that Mexicans play in a different light. We’re getting a seat at the international table,” she asserts. This sentiment is exemplified in her newfound position as an avocado culinary ambassador, which she views as an opportunity to highlight the broader contributions of Mexican culture to culinary practices worldwide.
At the heart of Jinich’s culinary philosophy lies the idea that Mexican cuisine is continually evolving. Initially, her cooking focused on traditional methods, rooted in the recipes she learned growing up. However, she emphasizes the importance of innovation: “When I first started, I really stuck to traditional recipes, but now I think you have the freedom to play a little.” This open-mindedness toward culinary experimentation is vital for the next generation of chefs and home cooks.
One remarkable aspect of Jinich’s culinary style is her genuine enthusiasm for sharing Mexican ingredients and traditions with a broad audience. Her spirited approach not only attracts viewers but fosters a sense of community around the universal love of food. Offering insights into how Mexican culture enriches American social occasions like Thanksgiving, she shares, “Thanksgiving is a time for people to explore new flavors. I’ll bring a salad featuring avocado and pomegranate, and everyone is eager to try something different.”
Ultimately, Jinich highlights how food transcends borders, fostering connection and conversation through shared meals. It’s not just about the dishes served at the table; it’s about traditions woven through the fabric of daily life, such as sobremesa, the cherished practice of lingering over conversation after meals.
As “Pati’s Mexican Table” continues to captivate viewers in its 13th season, Jinich’s culinary journey embodies the spirit of innovation and inclusivity, bridging cultural divides through the art of cooking. As both an ambassador of avocado and Mexican culture, she opens the door to new culinary explorations—one ripe avocado at a time.