[ speaking non-english ] >> wow. i'm eva longoria, born and bred in texas by -- as diverse as its 32 states. i'm exploring mexico to see how their lands and their past has shaped a culinary position as their 32 states. the port's strategic position saw veracruzans fight off repeated invasions right into the 20th century. but this history of conflict from indigenous power struggles to african slavery created a cultural big bang. >> soy india. soy veracruz. >> with a legacy of strong flavors, pioneered by strong women. >> every time that i blink, my mind was like, yes, i'm going to try. >> i will. >> veracruzanos are famous for their defiant spirit.