Craving Arepas? Dig Into These Top 10 Fun Facts and Unravel the Magic Behind This Irresistible Delicacy!

1. Culinary Magic Trick of Venezuela

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up to witness the great culinary magic trick of Venezuela – now you see a plain, unassuming corn cake, and presto! It's transformed into a delectable delight filled with staggering variety: In the land of endless beauty queens and oil riches, the humble arepa takes center stage, consumed by an impressive 70% of the population. With a dazzling average of 30 kilos of corn flour per person per year, the arepa is more than just sustenance – it's a cultural symbol and a delicious feast for the senses!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Arepa Showdown: Colombia vs. Venezuela

In the battle of the bellies between Colombia and Venezuela, there can be only one... arepa!: Originating from indigenous tribes in both countries during pre-Columbian times, the Colombian arepa prefers going plain with a pinch of salt, butter, and maybe a bit of cheese, while the Venezuelan arepa is like a versatile party planner, always ready to be stuffed with savory meats, cheese, avocado, or whatever your taste buds fancy. No matter which side you're on in this mouth-watering showdown, there's no denying these scrumptious discs are debatably delightful and worth every bite.
Source => abc7ny.com

Did you know empanadas come dressed in different shapes and bring the tastiest fillings to the party? Find out all about these versatile treats, including the delicious gossip on dessert empanadas!

=> Fun Facts about Empanadas

3. Arepa Twilight Saga: White vs. Yellow Cornmeal

In a world where people are either strictly Team Edward or Team Jacob, arepas have their own Twilight saga: it's all about that cornmeal color! The foodie world is divided between white cornmeal, popular in Central America and Africa, and yellow cornmeal, the darling of Latin America: The corny difference lies in the pigments present—yellow corn is blessed with antioxidants, carotenoids, lutein (vitamin A precursors), a higher fiber content, and slightly fewer calories than its pale compatriot, adding not only taste, but a nutritional edge as well.
Source => latinofoods.co.nz

4. Birthplace of Arepas: The Tasty Triangle

"From the Bermuda Triangle of tasty treats, comes an ancient culinary delight": Arepas were birthed in a region that now encompasses Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, traditionally cooked on a budare pan and varying in flavor and size - from sweet, thin, and cheesy Colombian arepas to their smaller, thicker Venezuelan cousins.
Source => minimalistbaker.com

5. Healthier Twist: Baked Arepas

If you're tired of corny jokes and want a delicious snack instead, have no fear — arepas are here! These disc-shaped delights have been stealing the hearts (and stomachs) of Latin American foodies for centuries, and it's no wonder why: Arepas are an essential food in the Andean region, from Colombia to Venezuela, made from pre-cooked corn flour and usually enjoyed steamed or fried. But if your waistline isn't up for an oily encore, try baking these doughy treasures for a healthier twist that still packs a mouthwatering punch!
Source => quearepas.com

6. Life of the Arepa Party: Ingredient Variety

If an arepa walked into a bar, it'd be the life of the party, filled with tasty tales of adventure across Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine: These corny-yet-craveable treats are made from a blend of cornmeal and water and can be stuffed with a smorgasbord of ingredients like cheese, meat, and veggies, with gluten-free and potential wheat-bearing varieties adorning grocery store shelves for your snacking pleasure.
Source => pampadirect.com

7. Carne Mechada: Arepa Filling Star

When the shredded beef was asked what its favorite part of the Arepa Party was, it replied: "I like to mechada-round!" In all seriousness, though: carne mechada is a highly popular arepa filling, which consists of beef slow-cooked with an assortment of spices and vegetables until it reaches mouthwatering tenderness.
Source => ohcornarepas.com

8. Avo-Arepas: The Original Avocado Craze

Before the avo craze took over your toast, the ancient folks were already feasting on nature's butter encapsulated in the warm embrace of corny goodness: Arepas, originating in pre-Columbian South America, are round, flat maize patties filled with delectable treats such as cheese, meats, chicken, and avocado, and can be found grilled, baked, fried, boiled, or steamed across Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Bolivia.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. Arepas: The Shakespearean Delight

As scrumptious as a Shakespearean sonnet and as versatile as a superhero's utility belt, arepas are the culinary pièce de résistance of Latin America: Originating in Venezuela, these mouth-watering corn cakes have found their way to Colombia, Panama, and beyond, boasting an enticing array of fillings that range from the classic cheese and black beans to the innovative avocado and pulled pork combinations.
Source => peterspanas.com

10. Incredible Hulk Snacks: Venezuelan Arepas

Have you ever wondered what the Incredible Hulk would snack on in Venezuela? Get your griddles ready for this smashing revelation: Arepas are a delightful Venezuelan staple made from just three simple ingredients – pre-cooked cornmeal, water, and salt – and can be filled to the brim with a diverse array of delectable fillings like cheese, cold cuts, tuna, shredded chicken, or beef, available in versatile shapes and sizes, catering to every superhero's appetite!
Source => livingsweetmoments.com