Long before the burrito had a name, the concept of wrapping food in a corn tortilla was a cornerstone of Mesoamerican cuisine. For thousands of years, indigenous peoples in what is now Mexico used freshly made corn tortillas as an edible plate and utensil. They were the perfect vehicle for holding other foods.

These early versions were simple and practical. People would fill tortillas with whatever was available, creating a portable, self-contained meal. Fillings often included beans, squash, chiles, tomatoes, and wild greens. This practice was less about a specific recipe and more about a convenient way to eat.

The arrival of the Spanish introduced new ingredients like wheat, beef, and pork, but the fundamental idea of wrapping food in a tortilla remained unchanged. This fusion of indigenous tradition and European ingredients laid the groundwork for many dishes, including the one that would eventually be called the burrito.

The name 'burrito' is the Spanish diminutive for donkey.

Why name a food after a pack animal? The exact origin is a bit of a mystery, but the most popular story points to the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. A food vendor named Juan Méndez, based in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, supposedly wrapped his food in large flour tortillas to keep it warm. He then transported his wares on a small donkey.

His food became known as the food from the 'burrito,' or the little donkey. Over time, the name stuck to the food itself. While this story is charming, it's hard to verify. Other theories suggest the name comes from the food's appearance, resembling the bedrolls or packs often carried by donkeys.

Regardless of its true origin, the term 'burrito' first appeared in print in the 1930s, described as a regional food from Northern Mexico. It was a simple, rustic meal, far from the oversized, ingredient-packed versions popular today.