Are you Peruvian, Ecuadorian or Mexican? The origin of ceviche according to ChatGTP

He Ceviche has a space earned in the hearts of Peruvians. In June, we celebrate its national day and in 2004 it was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation. But there are other countries in the region that also claim its origin, such as Ecuador, Chile and Mexico.

Given the dispute, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, was consulted about the origin of the saucer.

But first, a little history. According to gastronomic researcher Mariano Valderrama, ancient Peruvians (like the Moches) used to eat freshly caught fish seasoned with chili peppers and salt. Other hypotheses indicate that it was also macerated with chicha or tumbo juice, a fruit native to the Andes.

Over time, the preparation of the dish was changing. When the Spaniards arrived, they brought the onion and lemon. For the historian María Rostworowski, it is possible that the Moorish slaves added these ingredients to the ceviche.

Different theories have also been put forward for the name of the dish. According to the historian Javier Pulgar Vidal, it derives from the word “siwichi”, a Quechua term that means fresh fish or tender fish.

WHERE IS THE CEVICHE FROM ACCORDING TO CHATGPT?

Artificial intelligence is not capable of putting an end to the dispute over the origin of the dish either. In his answer, he brings its origin closer to the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in Latin America.

“The exact origin of ceviche is a matter of debate and there are several theories about it. It is believed that ceviche has its roots in the coastal region of Latin America, specifically in areas close to the Pacific Ocean”, was the response of ChatGPT.

In turn, it gives voice to the different hypotheses about its origin, including Peru, but also Ecuador and Mexico. “One theory suggests that ceviche originated in Peru, dating back to pre-Columbian times, where citrus fruits were used to marinate fish and shellfish. Another theory states that ceviche may have originated in other coastal Latin American countries, such as Ecuador or Mexico, where similar dishes based on raw fish or shellfish marinated in citrus juice are also prepared,” he indicated.

Given its popularity in different Latin American countries, artificial intelligence cannot determine its origin. But, he stated that “it has become an icon of Latin American gastronomy and is enjoyed in different forms and flavors in various countries.”

Effectively, each country developed its own version of ceviche, using local ingredients and preparation techniques. For example, the Ecuadorian one uses fish, tomato and mustard. While the Mexican adds avocado and olives, among other ingredients.