LOS ANGELES — The Mexican American community in Los Angeles is the largest in the country. One of the markets that has served that community for the last 62 years is Amapola Market, where thousands of Mexican comfort foods like tamales and sweet breads are made every single day.

Rolando Pozos bought the company three years ago from the original founding family.

“It is very important to preserve traditions,” Pozos said. “These flavors, smells and tastes bring me back to my childhood.”

Tradition is what keeps the wheels of Amapola moving. Just around the corner from the checkout stand, a veritable smorgasbord of homemade Latin foods is being made to cater to the Mexican community, which, according to recent census records, makes up 32% of LA County residents.

Thousands of tamales and pastries are made at their Paramount store and distributed to all three locations. Their tortillas have been made the same way since the early 1960s, and Pozos said it will continue that way.

“I feel a great sense of pride but, at the same time, a big responsibility that it’s so important for thousands of families across Los Angeles,” Pozos said.