Quelite facts for kids

Quelite (say "keh-LEE-teh") is a special word in Mexico that means many different kinds of plants. People in Mexico often eat the leaves of these plants, like we eat spinach or lettuce. They are used as leaf vegetables or herbs in cooking.

Quelites are not just one plant; they are a group of plants that grow wild or are grown in gardens. They have been an important part of Mexican food for a very long time, even before Christopher Columbus arrived!

What Are Quelite Plants?

Quelites are often leafy green plants that are full of good things for your body, like vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy and tasty part of many Mexican meals.

Some of the most common plants called quelites include:

• Amaranth: There are many types of amaranth that people call quelite, like Quelite quintonil. These plants have green or sometimes reddish leaves and are very nutritious. Some common types are Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Amaranthus spinosus.
• Chenopodium: One well-known type is Quelite cenizo, which often refers to Chenopodium album. This plant is also known as lamb's quarters in other parts of the world.
• Coriander: This plant, also known as cilantro, is used as a fresh herb to add flavor to dishes.

Where Do Quelites Grow?

Many quelite plants grow easily in different parts of Mexico. Some grow wild in fields and along roadsides, while others are planted in home gardens and farms. They are often very tough plants that can grow even in dry conditions.

How Are Quelites Used in Cooking?

Quelites are super versatile in the kitchen! People use them in many traditional Mexican dishes.

• They can be cooked like spinach, often just quickly steamed or sautéed.
• They are added to soups and stews to make them more flavorful and nutritious.
• Sometimes, they are used in tacos, quesadillas, or tamales.
• Fresh quelites can also be used in salads, especially herbs like coriander.

These plants are not only tasty but also a great way to get important nutrients, making them a valuable part of the Mexican diet.

See also

• In Spanish: Quelite para niños
• El Quelite, Sinaloa (a town in Sinaloa, Mexico, named after the plant)