Postal Service Celebrating Latin American Cuisine

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Postal Service today celebrates the influence of Central and South America, Mexican and Caribbean foods and flavors on American cuisine with the issuance of new Delicioso Forever stamps during a first-day-of-issue ceremony in conjunction with Salud y Sabor and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The Delicioso stamps feature bright and playful illustrations of tamales, flan, sancocho, empanadas, chile relleno, and ceviche. This booklet of 20 stamps includes four of the tamales and flan designs and three of each of the other designs. The names of the six dishes appear in a festive font above each mouthwatering image.   "Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together the many threads of our national tapestry. With the issuance of the beautiful Delicioso Forever stamps, it is the Postal Service's way of saying these Delicioso dishes epitomize the best of America, and will do so forever," said Robert Cintron, vice president, Network Operations, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamps. Cintron was joined at the stamp dedication ceremony by Veronica N. Gonzales, cabinet secretary, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs; Marie Yniguez, celebrity chef and owner of Bocadillos at Green Jeans Farmery; and Michael Flores, Arizona district marketing manager, U.S. Postal Service.   During the ceremony, there were special performances by Voces de Coronado directed by Otilio Ruiz and the Rio Grande High School Marine Corps JROTC.   Background Central and South American, Mexican, and Caribbean foods and flavors have impacted American cuisine for generations. Dishes such as tamales, flan, sancocho, empanadas, chile relleno, and ceviche all come from an array of Latin American culinary traditions that have found new life and variations in the United States.

Though many adaptations of tamales exist throughout North and Central America, the dish typically consists of masa — a starchy dough made from hominy—and various meat or vegetable fillings. A decadent ending to any meal, flan complements the bold flavors found in many of Latin America's favorite foods.

Sancocho — a hearty, traditional stew — is a culturally significant dish for several Caribbean and Central American countries and their communities in the United States. Whether sweet or savory, flaky or doughy, fried or baked, the crescent-shaped empanada is a favorite for many.

Chile relleno, meaning "stuffed pepper" in Spanish, is exactly that — a chile pepper filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, rice, beans, or any combination of these ingredients. Found in upscale restaurants, seaside eateries, and outdoor market stands, ceviche (or cebiche) is created by adding acidic juices, typically from limes or oranges, to raw fish. As unique as the many cultures they represent, these dishes vary in preparation and consumption based on who makes and eats them. While ingredients and cooking methods have changed over time and depend on location and availability, the feelings associated with a comforting meal transcend all boundaries and variations.   Stamp Design Artist John Parra created each illustration of the Delicioso stamps by applying multiple layers of acrylic paint to his illustration boards, using sandpaper to reveal the hidden layers and give the designs a worn, vintage look. Through a specialized stencil process, he added the details for each dish to the textured backgrounds.

Parra designed the stamp artwork under the direction of Antonio Alcalá. Followers of the U.S. Postal Service's Facebook page can view streaming video of the first-day-of-issue ceremony at facebook.com/USPS . The public is asked to share the news on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag - #DeliciosoForever. Customers may purchase the Delicioso Forever stamp booklet at usps.com/stamps, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office locations nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also is available at ebay.com/stamps.   Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:   FDOI – Delicioso USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services 8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64144-9900   After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by June 20, 2017.   Ordering First-Day Covers The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly "USA Philatelic" catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:   U.S. Postal Service Catalog Request PO Box 219014 Kansas City, MO 64121-9014   Philatelic Products There are five philatelic products for this stamp issue: 672706, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $78.40. 672710, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $19.95. 672716, First-Day Cover (set of 6), $5.58. 672721, Digital Color Postmark (set of 6), $9.84. 672730, Ceremony Program, $6.95.   Many of this year's other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps or via Twitter @USPSstamps.   The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.   Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf. Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/usps), Instagram (instagram.com/uspostalservice), Pinterest (pinterest.com/uspsstamps), LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/usps), subscribe to our channel on YouTube (youtube.com/usps), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/usps) and view our Postal Postsblog (uspsblog.com). For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.   A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=42325

National: Roy Betts 202.268.3207 (Office) 202.256.4174 (Mobile) Albuquerque, NM: Peter Hass 602.223.3649 (Office) 602.568.4983 (Mobile) usps.com/news