MANAGEMENT AND USE OF QUELITES IN THE SIERRA NORTE DE PUEBLA, MEXICO

Abstract

The people of the Sierra Norte de Puebla include 87 species of quelites (edible greens) in their usual diet, with a frecuency of consumption of up to two or three times at week. These quelites present different levels of man- agement, from species that are merely recollected to others that are tolerated, induced, or cultivated, also using domesticated species. Taking in account the habitat in wich they are found, quelites can be wild species that grow in different stages of ecological succession, including fallow crop fields. Other species are segetal, and there are also cultivated species whose edible foliage is used as an accesory product to the main crop. This could be the seed, fruit, or roots and other underground reserve structures. Quelites can be found in various agroecosystems such as milpas (cornfields), chilares (chili plots), coffee plantations, bean fields, home gardens and other minor crops, as well as forming part of living fences. There also species that are being introduced to cultivation for ex profeso production of quelites. The quelites are not only part of the people’s regular diet, thus contributing to their food security, also provide monetary income as they are actively traded in local markets or ‘tianguis’. The income from the sale of quelites doubles or triples the payment for agricultural work day. Therefore, it is considered that the quelites in the SNP are a dynamic and current part of the food culture of the inhabitants of this region, who are not only consumers but are exploring new forms of production given the high regional demand for quelites.