The arepas is undoubtedly the most emblematic dish of Venezuelan gastronomy. From pre-Columbian times to our daily modern meals, there isn’t a corner of our country where this corn delight isn’t enjoyed.
But beyond being a staple, the arepa has generated surprising stories, oddities, and even world records. In this post, we dive into the fascinating world of arepas to discover those facts you might not know.
HISTORICAL FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW?
- Pre-Columbian Roots: Long before colonizers arrived, the Carib and Arawak indigenous groups were already preparing a type of corn cake cooked on hot stones.
- The Name: Some historians believe “arepa” comes from the indigenous word “erepa,” which meant “corn” in the Cumanagota language.
- Clay Budares: In ancient times, some communities cooked arepas on clay griddles called “budares,” which gave them a unique smoky flavor and texture—a tradition being rescued by modern chefs today.
WORLD RECORDS: THE AREPA HAS THEM TOO!
- The Largest Arepa in the World: Venezuela holds the Guinness World Record for this. On March 23, 2011, in Caracas, a team of over 20 cooks created an arepa weighing 493.2 kilograms (1,087 lbs). It used over 500 lbs of corn flour and was shared among 2,000 people.
- Daily Sales Record: In 2018, during World Arepa Day in Miami, over 12,000 arepas were sold in a single day, highlighting the massive popularity of this dish in the United States.
ODDITIES: AREPAS YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
- Spinach and Beet Arepas: To make them healthier and more colorful, some cooks mix spinach or beets into the dough. They are a hit in vegetarian circles!
- Yuca (Cassava) Arepas: Made using yuca flour instead of corn, these have a crispier texture and are a great gluten-free alternative.
- Plantain Arepas: Very popular in the Zulia region, these mix sweet plantain with corn flour for a delicious sweet-and-savory bite.
CULTURAL CURIOSITIES
- Arepas in Hollywood: The arepa took center stage in Disney’s Encanto. Although set in Colombia, it showcased the shared belief that “arepas have healing powers.”
- Infinite Variety: It is estimated that there are over 70 different types of arepas depending on the region and ingredients available.
- World Arepa Day: Celebrated every second Saturday of September, it’s a global party that connects the Venezuelan diaspora across all continents.
YOUR AREPA AT PANNA
The arepa is more than food; it’s an emblem of our identity and a bond that unites Venezuelans everywhere. At PANNA New Food Latino, we are committed to offering you the best arepas, whether you want them freshly made with your favorite filling or frozen to prepare at home.
Ready to try a truly tasty arepa? Visit us at PANNA and discover the incredible variety we have for you. We’ll see you there!
