The currency's weakest position on Monday was 20.87 to the dollar, according to the newspaper El Economista.(Shutterstock)
The Mexican peso depreciated against the US dollar for a fourth consecutive trading day on Monday, according to end-of-day exchange rate data from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico).
The peso closed at 20.72 to the greenback after ending Friday at 20.70 to the dollar, Banxico data shows.
The Bank of Mexico shows the peso trading at 20.80 to the dollar after closing time (2:10 p.m.) on Monday. (Banxico)
The peso also weakened on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week.
Based on Banxico’s end-of-day data, the peso depreciated just over 2% against the dollar between last Tuesday and today.
The currency’s weakest position on Monday was 20.87 to the dollar, according to the newspaper El Economista.
A general strengthening of the dollar during North American trading hours on Monday contributed to the peso’s weaker position at the end of the trading day in Mexico.
However, the DXY index, which measures the value of the greenback against a basket of foreign currencies, was in negative territory shortly after 5 p.m. Mexico City time. At the same time, the peso was trading at the stronger position of 20.60 to the dollar, according to Yahoo Finance!
Labor market data out of the United States last week raised expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will adopt a cautious approach toward monetary policy decisions this year, contributing to the weakening of the peso.
Trump’s impending return to the presidency has had a negative impact on the Mexican peso, and may cause the currency to depreciate even further in 2025. (Facebook)
“U.S. job growth unexpectedly accelerated in December while the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% as the labor market ended the year on a solid footing, reinforcing views that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates unchanged this month,” Reuters reported on Friday.
In contrast, many analysts are forecasting that Banxico will cut its benchmark rate by at least 25 basis points in early February. Such a move would reduce the gap between the official interest rate in Mexico (currently 10%) and that of the Fed (4.25-4.50%), and likely cause the peso to further weaken against the dollar.
According to financial consultant and trader Juan Carlos Cruz Tapia, a USD:MXN exchange rate above 21 is a likely scenario in the near term due to Trump’s impending return to the presidency.
Speaking at an event on Friday in Mexico City, Mexico's economy minister said, "I guarantee you we're going to find [a way out]" from Trump's threatened tariffs. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
Speaking Friday at a conference in Mexico City, Ebrard expressed optimism regarding the upcoming review of the USMCA — which maintained zero tariffs on products that had zero tariffs under NAFTA — because of Mexico’s positive results on security and migration issues.
With one week left before his inauguration, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump remains firm on his plans to slap punishing tariffs on Mexico once in office. (Ron Sachs/Consolidated News via Shutterstock)
The economy minister also asserted that Trump’s proposed protectionist policies would backfire on the United States.
“You can’t have low inflation and sustained economic growth in the U.S. if, at the same time, you’re rolling out strong protectionist policies against Mexico and China,” he said, according to the news agency Reuters. “That’s a key advantage for Mexico.”
Ebrard also recalled the success he had negotiating tense trade talks eight years ago during Trump’s first term as president, during which the North American Free Trade Agreement was updated and renewed as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for an additional six years. As Mexico’s foreign minister at the time, Ebrard helped prevent the imposition of big tariffs linked to the migration issue.
“In the end, there were no tariffs or treaties, because we found a way out,” Ebrard said, according to Reuters. “I guarantee you we’re going to find [a way out].”
Set to take office in one week, Trump has again promised to apply broad tariffs on Mexico if it does not crack down on migrant arrivals at the Mexico-U.S. border and do more to halt the smuggling of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl.
He also pointed out that U.S. officials recognize that part of the problem is the unrestrained weapons trafficking from the United States that benefits the drug cartels in Mexico. Expansión reported that the Sinaloa Cartel acquires roughly 85% of its weapons from the United States. Additionally, from 2018 to 2024, more than 3,600 weapons were seized at the Mexican border, and another 3,600 weapons have been seized since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office on Oct. 1, 2024.
A day after her 100-day address, President Sheinbaum was back in the National Palace for her regular Monday press conference. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
A day after speaking to hundreds of thousands of people in Mexico City’s central square, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed reporters at the National Palace on Monday.
Here is a recap of her morning press conference, or mañanera.
Sheinbaum reflects on her first 100 days: A ‘peaceful revolution’ is taking place in Mexico
There is “enthusiasm” and “happiness” with regard to “what is happening in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
“There cannot be a divorce between the people and the government. That is the standard that was set in December 2018 [when Andrés Manuel López Obrador became president] and that’s the way it will continue to be,” she said.
President Sheinbaum reported on her first 100 days to a full crowd at the Mexico City Zócalo on Sunday. (Presidencia)
“That is what annoys our political adversaries, but what there is in Mexico is a peaceful revolution that began in December 2018, and it mainly has to do with a change in [people’s political] awareness,” she said.
“… We have to serve the people and always provide results that improve their quality of life, education and healthcare. And we have to broaden people’s rights,” Sheinbaum added.
“…That’s what we’re doing and that’s what we’re going to continue doing,” she said.
Search for miners killed in 2006 disaster continues, president says
Sheinbaum said that the search is ongoing for the remains of more than 60 miners killed when a methane explosion occurred at the Pasta de Conchos coal mine in Coahuila in 2006.
Friction between Gov. Samuel García’s administration and state attorney general’s office has hindered security operations in Nuevo León, Sheinbaum said. (Secretaría de Seguridad Nuevo León/X)
Sheinbaum said that Nuevo León has had a security coordination “problem” in recent years.
“The conflict, let’s say political, between the [state] Attorney General’s Office and the government of Nuevo León itself … prevents there being [positive security] results or decreases the possibility of having results,” she said.
“… Regardless of political issues, the security of Nuevo León must be placed above all else. And there must be coordination,” she said.
There has been significant friction in recent years between the Nuevo León government led by Governor Samuel García and the state Congress and state Attorney General’s Office.
Sheinbaum stressed that the federal government will “always” collaborate with state and municipal governments on security issues.
“This coordination is essential and it has to go beyond political issues,” she said.
Major pubic infrastructure projects like the Maya Train have boosted the Mexican economy in recent years. (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)
Prime Minister of Belize Johnny Briceño wants a Maya Train for his Caribbean nation and has asked President Claudia Sheinbaum to consider extending the train’s tracks beyond Mexico’s southeastern border.
“It could open a new market for tourists since many who visit Cancún are from Europe and we don’t get many visitors from Europe,” Briceño said of the Maya Train. (@JohnBricenoBZE/X)
Briceño told reporters last week that he has formally requested that Mexico expand its Maya Train just seven miles, from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, across the Hondo River and to the Belize border.
“I sent a letter to [President Sheinbaum] last year. When I met her in October [at her inauguration in October 2024], we talked about the Maya Train,” Briceño said, insisting that Mexico’s president initially expressed support for his idea. “She assured me that she wants to continue the work that President López Obrador started.”
In the letter, Briceño said, he also proposed that the Maya Train cross Belize and connect to the iconic Maya ruins of Tikal in northern Guatemala.
“It could open a new market for tourists since many who visit Cancún are from Europe and we don’t get many visitors from Europe,” he said, according to the online news blog Riviera Maya News. “With the Maya Train, it would be much easier for them to travel to Belize.”
Although Sheinbaum has not provided an official response, Briceño is campaigning for support, even promoting the proposed tracks for cargo use. “[M]oving products from Mexico to Belize would be easier as would moving our products … to the United States and Canada [through Mexico], so it is an opportunity for everyone to win.”
Belizeans embrace regional potential of the Maya Train
With or without the track extension, residents of a Belizean city just 25 kilometers south of Chetumal, Quintana Roo, are seeking to benefit from the Maya Train, according to the newspaper Novedades Quintana Roo.
Corozal, Belize, located just 25 kilometers south of Chetumal, is hoping to attract tourism from Maya Train passengers. (@gobpressoffice/X)
The city of Corozal boasts several Maya ruins and is also Belize’s top duty-free zone. It is Belize’s northernmost town — about 140 kilometers north of the capital Belize City — and is the economic lifeblood of the country’s north.
Daniel Alberto Torres, director of the duty-free zone, said Corozal is already working with officials from Othón P. Blanco, the Mexican municipality that borders Belize and of which Chetumal is the county seat.
“We believe that as the Maya Train approaches 100%, it can produce an influx of visitors [from Chetumal] if we successfully promote our attractions,” Torres said, pointing out that Corozal takes part in Chetumal cultural and economic events such as Carnaval and Expofer.
Torres believes that the development being driven by the Maya Train in southeastern Mexico will boost the entire region by encouraging infrastructure investment, especially along borders.
Corozal — which was founded in 1848 by Maya refugees fleeing the Caste War in Yucatán — received 100,000 visitors in December 2024, and reached nearly one million tourists for the entire year. Torres says the goal is to top one million visitors in 2025.
Chinese car brands like BYD have become increasingly well-known in Mexico in recent years. (Joshua Fernández/Unsplash)
The boom of Chinese car sales in Mexico appears to be slowing down, after failing to grow by double digits for the first time in four years, the newspaper El Economista reported Monday. However, the data is preliminary, as some Chinese vehicle brands have not yet shared sales figures with the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (INEGI).
China positioned itself as the main supplier of imported light vehicles in Mexico between 2022 and 2024. However, its growth rate has fallen in recent months owing to lower customer satisfaction and uncertainty around the future of Chinese imports due to growing trade tensions between China and the U.S. under President-elect Donald Trump.
A Chirey SUV in the streets of Condesa, Mexico City. (RiveraNotorio/Flickr)
Chinese car sales increased by 9.8% in 2024, to 302,837 units, contributing 20.2% of the total light vehicle sales in Mexico, INEGI data shows.
By contrast, Chinese car sales rose by 103% in 2021, 128.4% in 2022 and 51.4% in 2023, as China rapidly expanded its share of the Mexican market from just 0.3% in 2017.
In the major vehicle-producing state of Guanajuato in Mexico’s Bajío region, Chinese automakers contributed 7.7% of total car sales in 2024, according to a Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors (AMDA) report. Guanajuato had the seventh-most car sales of any Mexican state last year.
One reason for China’s rapid sales growth was General Motors’s shift from using Mexican car components to Chinese, as well as Chevrolet’s decision to move manufacturing operations for its Aveo and Sonic vehicles from Mexico to China. The Chinese brand SAIC Motors, the parent company of MG Motor, took over the manufacturing business for the new Aveo, the Onyx, the Groove and the Captiva.
GM has been the biggest seller of Chinese-assembled vehicles in Mexico since 2018.
The rise in the popularity of cars from Chinese automakers also contributed to the rapid rise in growth. Brands such as MG Motor, Chirey, Omoda, Changan, Great Wall Motor and Jetour have become more widely known, together registering imports of 116,000 units to Mexico in 2024, according to INEGI.
General Motors’ decision to manufacture some models in China — including the Chevrolet Aveo, pictured — boosted the market share of Chinese-made cars in Mexico. (Chevrolet)
Some major Chinese automakers have not reported their sales to INEGI, including BYD, Geely, Zeekr, GAC and Bestune.
Recent customer satisfaction studies from the consumer insights company J.D. Power showed that overall satisfaction with Chinese-branded cars was among the lowest in Mexico, which likely contributed to lower sales growth.
Chinese brands scored 812 points out of 1,000 on the APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) scale, compared to Japanese brands, at 899, and South Korean brands, with 896. Mercedes-Benz came out on top with a score of 932.
Sales are also lagging due to poor consumer confidence in the lead-up to Trump’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by an additional 10%. This follows the introduction of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports by the Biden administration in 2024.
Of the nearly 8 million visitors who entered the country in November, 3.94 million were international tourists. (Elizabeth Ruiz/Cuartoscuro)
In November 2024, Mexico saw 13.2% more international tourists than in the same month of 2023, along with a 11% increase in tourism revenue, according to a report published Monday by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
According to INEGI, 7.6 million visitors entered the country in November, an increase of 20.3% compared to 2023. Of these, 3.94 million were international tourists (travelers who spent at least one night in Mexico), up from 3.48 million in the same month of the previous year.
The primary annual increase observed was in border tourism, which saw 33.3% year-on-year growth in November, totaling 1.65 million tourists.
The number of tourists arriving by air increased by 0.9% to 1.93 million, while the remaining visitors to Mexico arrived by land or cruise ship.
Total spending by international tourists soared by 9.8% year-on-year in November, reaching US $2.52 billion. Of this total, 93.3% came from inbound tourists — those residing abroad who visit Mexico and stay overnight — while 6.7% came from tourists who visited Mexico via the border.
Average spending per tourist (including international, cruise and border tourists), however, fell by 7% year-on-year from US $392.42 to $362.13.
The most recent INEGI data reveals a continued upward trend in tourism to Mexico, which received 42.15 million international tourists during 2023, 10% more than in 2022. Mexico was the sixth most visited country in the world in 2023 — after Italy (No. 5) — with 38.3 million visitors, according to data from the World Tourism Organization. It surpassed countries like Austria (10), the United Kingdom (7) and the United Arab Emirates (12).
Final tourism figures for 2024 have yet to be announced.
Mexicans are also traveling and spending more abroad
Mexico saw more people leave the country than tourists entering Mexico in 2024.
According to INEGI, 6.8 million residents in Mexico traveled abroad in November 2024 – a figure 43.8% higher than that of November 2023. Of these, 1.8 million were international tourists who spent at least one night abroad.
Mexican tourists’ average spending abroad also shot up 31.9% in November 2024, from $856.9 to $1,129.9.
Sheinbaum spoke of her government's progress and plans to continue former President López Obrador's "transformation of public life in Mexico." (Presidencia/Cuartoscuro)
President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered an hourlong address in Mexico City’s central square on Sunday, highlighting her government’s achievements during its first 100 days in office and outlining its core commitments and plans for 2025 and beyond.
In front of a packed Zócalo and with her cabinet ministers seated behind her, Sheinbaum also reiterated her belief that Mexico will have a good relationship with the United States during Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president.
Spectators packed the Mexico City Zócalo to see Sheinbaum’s 100-day address on Sunday. (Presidencia)
In her opening remarks, Mexico’s first female president said that the purpose of her speech was to be accountable to the citizens of Mexico and to “reinforce our commitment to always be close to the people” and “govern with the people” and “for the people.”
“That is the fourth transformation of public life in Mexico!” she said, referring to the nickname of the political project initiated by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
“… Why do we call [our term in government] the second story of the fourth transformation? Because the foundations … were laid by the best president — Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and it’s up to us to consolidate … and advance with the second story,” Sheinbaum said.
‘It’s time for transformation and time for women’
“Discrimination, racism, classism and machismo are relics of the past,” Sheinbaum declared early in her speech.
“Mexico is changing for the better, even those anchored in the past know that. We are living in exceptional, unique, extraordinary times because it’s time for transformation and time for women,” she said.
Sheinbaum subsequently emphasized the positive aspects of Mexico’s current situation, and enumerated a long list of government achievements during her first 100 days in office, a milestone she reached last Thursday. Among the positives and achievements she highlighted were that:
Standing on a white stage on a cloudy and cool Mexico City morning, Sheinbaum said that she and her government were elected to provide “continuity” to the “transformation” initiated by López Obrador (AMLO) when he took office in late 2018.
At her 100-day address, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to continuing AMLO’s political project.(Cuartoscuro)
“Some media outlets criticize us [asking], ‘Why don’t we differentiate ourselves? Why do we defend the welfare programs and strategic [infrastructure] projects? Why is there continuity in [AMLO’s political] project?’ But if we always said we would [build on AMLO’s legacy], why the surprise?” the president asked.
Sheinbaum declared that under her leadership, the “neoliberal model” of the past won’t return and the “regime of corruption and privileges” of past governments won’t either.
The president said that her government will continue with the doctrine of “Mexican humanism” developed by López Obrador and obey “the maxim” of “For the good of all, the poor come first.”
“… We don’t betray our principles, we don’t betray our past, we don’t betray our flag and we will never betray the people of Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
What’s ahead for Mexico in the Sheinbaum era?
Sheinbaum said that June 1, 2025 will be remembered as a significant day in the history of Mexico because “for the first time judges, magistrates and Supreme Court justices will be democratically elected.”
“Let there be no doubt, the judicial power will be autonomous,” the president said, seeking to dispel a major concern of critics of the judicial reform that paved the way for the staging of Mexico’s first judicial elections.
The judiciary will continue to be autonomous, Sheinbaum promised on Sunday. (CDMX Servicio de Medios Públicos)
Continuing a lengthy address that the president herself described as “brief,” Sheinbaum highlighted that:
This year will be dedicated to “the Indigenous woman in order to extol the origin of Mexico and recognize and give a voice to those who they wanted to silence for so many years.”
Millions of Mexicans, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, public school students and women ages 63 and 64, will receive financial assistance from the government in 2025.
Some 845,000 people will work in the government’s Youths Building the Future and Sowing Life employment schemes in 2025.
“We said we were going to provide continuity to and increase the social programs. … It’s very simple — the money that was previously stolen or used to buy votes … is today distributed for the benefit of all the people of Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
The president also said that:
The federal government will build 20 new high schools this year.
Sheinbaum defends Mexicans in the US and reiterates belief that Trump will respect Mexico
Ahead of Trump’s return to the White House and the commencement of what the U.S. president-elect has said will be the “the largest deportation operation in American history,” Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexicans in the United States make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy.
While they contribute to the Mexican economy by sending home tens of billions of dollars in remittances every year, Mexican immigrants in the United States “contribute more to the U.S. economy because what they send to Mexico is just 20% of what they leave there in consumption, savings and taxes,” she said.
“Mexican workers work like no one else in the United States. They’re extraordinary workers in the fields, in construction, in services. They are great scientists in [U.S.] universities. They are heroes and heroines of the homeland,” Sheinbaum said.
The deportation of large numbers of Mexicans from the United States could significantly reduce the amount of money remitted to Mexico, where economic growth slowed significantly in 2024.
The president once again highlighted the contributions of Mexican emigrants to the U.S. economy during her Sunday speech. (File photo)
Approaching the end of her address, Sheinbaum acknowledged that there have been both “painful” and “good” times in the Mexico-United States relationship. She then highlighted that AMLO had “a good relationship” with Trump during his first term as U.S. president.
The president-to-president relationship was characterized by “respect” and “collaboration,” Sheinbaum said before emphasizing the benefits the USMCA trade pact — which is scheduled for review in 2026 — has brought to each of Mexico, the United States and Canada.
“Our vision is Mexican humanism, fraternity between peoples and nations,” Sheinbaum added before stressing that Mexico is a “free, independent and sovereign country” that collaborates with other nations but will never accept subordination.
“Rest assured that I am dedicated body and soul to the good of our people and the nation,” the president said at the tail end of an address that she concluded by wishing long life to “our migrant brothers in the United States,” the “fourth transformation,” the “people of Mexico” and — of course — Mexico itself.
Mexico is a magical country, we all know that by now. Is there anything more magical than a walking tree though? (All photos by Bel Woodhouse)
One of my all-time favorite things is stumbling upon something amazing without even trying. You know what I mean? When you turn a corner and — bam — there’s something incredible, and you think, “How did I not know about this?”
The Yucatán peninsula holds many secrets and you can find more and more with every trip to the region. (@MaraLezama/X)
It might sound unbelievable, but the second discovery happened to me during my last visit to Playa del Carmen. I’ve visited Playa countless times over the past eight years, living on Cozumel, since that’s where the ferry from the island docks. After so many visits, I didn’t think there were any more surprises left.
I was wrong.
Walking down leafy Calle 38 toward the beach, a giant tree stopped me in my tracks. Its canopy stretched over the road and the restaurants on either side, leaving me gobsmacked. My first thought was, “The Tule Tree in Oaxaca had a baby.”
The Álamo in Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s walking tree
This majestic Ficus Maxima is named “Álamo.”
Álamo, a giant Mexican fig tree, as described on the plaque, is a type of fig tree native to Mexico, Ficus maxima. Maxima is right! While it’s not Mexico’s largest tree, it is the country’s largest fig tree. Why is that noteworthy? Because it’s a natural wonder. To my nature-loving heart, that’s pretty awesome.
Like all botanical enthusiasts, I’m thrilled when a massive tree, a beautiful flower, or some exotic plant catches me off guard. The kind of thrilled that leaves me standing in the street so long that people ask if I’m okay. In fact, one friendly local sitting under the tree did ask if I was lost and offered to help — another reason to love Mexican people.
He pointed to a plaque on the sidewalk, providing more information. It read: “I am an Álamo, an old and native barbel tree that likes to walk.”
How does the Álamo walk?
My second favorite discovery, after the tree itself, was learning that it walks. Yes, you read that correctly.
This type of Mexican fig tree, known as a barbel, has aerial roots that grow thick and long toward the ground. When they reach the ground, they become columns, called legs or buttresses. Over time, as one leg dries, another forms, literally taking the next step. This process allows the tree to slowly “walk” across the forest.
Indigenous people call this tree “Kopo” or “Sacahua.” They believe where it grows, a cenote is nearby. I can believe it. My friend and I walked through a five-million-year-old cave last month, and thick tree roots hung from the ceiling, reaching into the cenote’s water below.
A living museum of trees
The hanging roots of the tree allow it to slowly “walk” across the landscape as it continues to grow.
Development and urban sprawl often lead to the destruction of these ancient trees — hundreds of years of growth felled in minutes. This living museum educates people about the native trees of the region, their environmental impact, and the unique micro-environments they create.
As the plaque says, “I am a tree. And like you, I have legs, arms, I breathe, I feel, and I live.”
A world in a tree
Spending time with the Álamo revealed a world around me. Squirrels chattered, climbed, and ran along its sprawling branches, making nests in the trunk’s nooks and crannies. As dusk approached, butterflies, bugs, and bats emerged. I counted seven bird species in just ten minutes, all visiting, feeding, or roosting in the branches.
An entire ecosystem in ten minutes. Isn’t it amazing what you can see when you slow down and observe a tree? Especially one in a bustling tourist area near the beach in Playa del Carmen. Figs are considered a keystone species for fruit-eating animals, providing reliable food during scarce times like droughts.
It’s no wonder an entire world exists in a walking tree — it almost feels like an analogy for Mexico itself.
The most amazing relationship of all
The Álamo is a living museum and a testament to the wonders of nature.
Did you know figs are pollinated exclusively by wasps? Each fig tree has a mutualistic relationship with a specific wasp species, meaning they can only reproduce within that tree’s figs.
This blew my mind almost as much as learning that figs have enclosed flowers. There’s a tiny hole for the wasp to wriggle through to pollinate the hundreds of tiny flowers inside as the female wasp lays her eggs.
I had to rack my brain to remember if I’d ever seen a fig flower. But for me, the micro-environment this tree creates is as amazing as the fact that it walks. What an incredible discovery to make without even trying.
Walking trees — just another incredible day in Mexico!
Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over 7 years now she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
When we think of Mexico, we often think of avocado, coconut and lemon as major flavors. Perhaps we ought to be thinking of grapefruit instead. (Canva)
Grapefruit is a natural manifestation, the combination of the sweet orange Citrus sinensis and the orange, pomelo Citrus maxima, the latter having a slightly pungent taste like grapefruit, but a little sweeter. The resulting product, the grapefruit, originally called “the forbidden fruit,” (for reasons unclear) is a delightful blending of these two oranges. With the Mexican agricultural industry becoming a powerhouse in global grapefruit cultivation, why not try your hand at a citrus cake in celebration?
Grapefruit occurred naturally in the Caribbean before making its way to Mexico in the 18th century, where it flourished. This country is now the third largest producer of the fruit in the world, after China and the United States, producing about 424,000 tons annually. White, pink and red grapefruit are the varieties grown here and they are grown in abundance.
Mexico is actually the world’s third largest producer of the pink citrus fruit. (Zoriana Stakhniv/Unsplash)
Mexico is now a world player when it comes to grapefruit and international markets, although perhaps the connection between Mexican cuisine and the delicious fruit is not always as strong as it deserves to be.
Either way, the Mexican grapefruit is valued for its quality, taste, and variety. So why not make a refreshing “forbidden” bundt cake? Light but tantalizing in taste, this fruity cake is a pleasant break after the heavy desserts we’ve enjoyed during the holidays.
What makes this bundt so unique and special is the fresh grapefruit syrup that’s infused into the cake while it’s still warm, making it burst with citrus flavor, not to mention the rind in the batter and the grapefruit glaze which tops it off!
1 Cup (237 ml) whole milk, at room temperature (leche entera)
3/4 Cup (180 g) melted butter, cooled (mantequilla)
Best Mexican brands: Lala; Gloria; Alpura; Aguascalientes; Flor de Alfalfa.
1 tsp. (4.2 g) vanilla extract (extracto de vanilla)
Mexican brands noted for intense flavor: Villa Vainilla; Vainilla Totonac’s; Molina Vainilla
GrapefruitSyrup
1 Cup (247 g) fresh grapefruit juice, approx. 2 small grapefruits
Use pink or red.
1/3 Cup (67 g) granulated sugar
Glaze
3/4 Cup (75 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 Tbs. (15 g) plus 1/2 tsp. (2.84 g) fresh grapefruit juice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F (176 C)
Grease a bundt pan generously with butter and coat with breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs will not flavor the cake but will ensure an easy release.
Next:
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
In a bowl mix sugar and grapefruit zest together. Rub the sugar and zest with your fingers or a spoon until the sugar is moist and fragrant.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, add the sugar mixture and the eggs. Beat on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes, until the mixture is thick and ribbon-like.
With the mixer on low, slowly add the milk, then the butter, and finally the vanilla.
Next, add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, beating just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Put the cake, in the pan, on a wired rack.
Next:
While the cake is baking, make the syrup.
In a small saucepan, combine the grapefruit juice and sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar, continue to simmer for 1 minute. Then turn off the heat and set aside.
Next:
While the cake is in the pan, use a skewer or a toothpick to poke deep holes all over the cake.
Slowly pour the grapefruit syrup all over the cake, pausing as necessary to allow it to soak in.
Reserve a little for the top of the cake.
Next:
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then carefully turn onto a serving tray. Brush the top of the cake with the remaining grapefruit syrup (or poke holes and pour the syrup on top).
Make the glaze:
In a bowl, stir the confectioners’ sugar and grapefruit juice together until the glaze is smooth and pliable.
Drizzle over the cake allowing the glaze to drip down the sides.
Let the glaze set before serving.
Disfruta
Deborah McCoy is the one-time author of mainstream, bridal-reference books who has turned her attention to food, particularly sweets, desserts and fruits. She is the founder of CakeChatter™ on FaceBook and X (Twitter), and the author of four baking books for “Dough Punchers” via CakeChatter (available @amazon.com). She is also the president of The American Academy of Wedding Professionals™ (aa-wp.com).
Karla Sofía Gascón as the title character of "Emilia Pérez." (Pathé)
A new Golden Globe-winning musical comedy, Emilia Pérez, is sparking debate, raising questions about the role of art in depicting sensitive and potentially offensive subjects. The film has garnered praise for its technical achievements, including cinematography and acting. However, some viewers find the film’s premise and portrayal of certain characters to be problematic.
The controversy stems from concerns about the film’s handling of real-world issues and whether it trivializes a serious crisis. Critics argue that the film’s comedic approach is insensitive and sends the wrong message. This debate highlights the importance of considering diverse perspectives and the ethical implications of creative choices when tackling complex social issues.
MND Deep Dive: Is Emilia Pérez offensive?
Join our subscriber-exclusive podcast as we discuss whether Emilia Pérez is a subversive and masterful take on the humanitarian crisis facing Mexico, or whether the show is a tired recycling of lazy tropes, presented in the most disrespectful manner possible.
This podcast was produced using AI tools. All information collected and discussed in this episode was investigated, written and edited by human journalists. Compiled from a Mexico News Daily article by María Meléndez. Edited by Chris Havler-Barrett. Podcast produced by Chris Havler-Barrett.
![Speaking at an event on Friday in Mexico City, Mexico's economy minister said, "I guarantee you we're going to find [a way around]" Trump's tariffs.](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1013970_Seminario-Perspectivas-Economicas-ITAM-4_impreso-696x464.jpg "1013970_Seminario Perspectivas Económicas ITAM-4_impreso")
