FoodFood InformationVegetables
The tropical vegetables used to be available only in areas that had largeHispanic populations. Today, thanks to the increased popularity of Mexicancuisine and Mexican restaurants, tropical vegetables are readily availablein the larger supermarkets.
Words like taco, tortilla, tamale, enchilada, chili con came, guacamole,and gazpacho have entered our vocabulary. It is only a matter of time beforethe names of the tropical vegetables enjoyed by Latin Americans will alsohave common usage. Words like calabazo, chayote, jicama, nopales, plaintain,yammi, yautia, and yucca are appearing in recipes in magazines and newspapers.Just as avocados, mangoes, kiwis, and papayas were sold only as curios fiftyyears ago and today are available in ample supply in most food markets,tropical vegetables may soon enjoy the same consumer acceptance.
All tropical vegetables are available twelve months of the year dependingon geographical location and demand.