DES MOINES, IOWA – The National Pork Board (NPB) is continuing its Menú Urbano campaign, which was launched in late 2020 to find the best street food pork dishes in select US cities. The new chapter of NPB’s program – called Menú Urbano FRESH – is designed to help Latinos recreate authentic street-food dishes at home in a nutritious way. NPB has partnered with Mexican TV personality Karla Martinez co-host on the popular morning show “Despierta America” on Univision, to introduce the new campaign.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be part of this effort, not only to keep Hispanic traditions alive through cooking but also to show consumers how pork is good for them and their families,” Martínez said. “Food is one of the primary ways Latinos celebrate and share our culture with family and friends. Every day, we are becoming more conscious of the dishes we cook and serve at our family's tables.” 

Menú Urbano FRESH is launching in time to celebrate National Nutrition Month.

“"With pork, consumers don't have to give up flavor to eat a nutritious meal, and that’s exactly what this campaign is all about,” said Jose de Jesus, senior director of multicultural marketing at the NPB. “Our goal is to ensure Latinos are confident that with pork, the possibilities are endless, and you can enjoy a nutritious, flavorful and authentic meal.”

Some of the traditional recipes from Latin American street-food cuisine that have been reconstructed for this campaign include Tacos de Lechuga con Cerdo y Salsa de Mango, Tostadas de Cerdo al Chipotle and Cachapa de Cerdo Adobada en Cítricos, y Salsa Guasacaca.

According to NPB research, 79% of Hispanics cook meals to retain a connection to their culture and 62% say they prefer food that reminds them of their family's tradition. Pork is a staple protein found in many Hispanic meals.

"Pork has been a staple in Hispanic kitchens throughout generations. And today, pork is 16% leaner and 27% lower in saturated fat compared to about 20 years ago, thanks to the pork industry's response to consumers' desire for lean pork products," de Jesus said.

The National Pork Board is also collaborating with three influential Latina content creators. They will help provide tips for preparing the popular street-food dishes at home using fresh pork cuts and nutritional ingredients. The contributors include:

  • Chef Mia Castro, a Puerto Rican chef and former participant at Food Network's hit show “Chopped,” and Fox TV's “Hell's Kitchen” based in New York;
  • Natalia Saenz, a Colombian health and wellness and lifestyle content creator based in Miami; and
  • Pamela Berrondo, a Mexican, certified Holistic Nutritionist based in San Francisco.

For pork recipes, visit PorkEsSabor.com and follow @PorkEsSabor on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.