Quelites are a true gastronomic and nutritional gem of Mexico and other regions of Latin America, although many people are unaware of how easy they are to grow and how much they contribute to biodiversity and the nutrition of those who consume them. Although other vegetables currently predominate on urban tables, quelites have been the quintessential green food for generations, appearing in popular recipes, subsistence crops, and even in traditional agricultural systems such as the milpa. These vegetables, in addition to being linked to culture and history, are essential for health and agricultural sustainability, and in this article, you'll discover how to grow them and take advantage of their many benefits.
Growing quelites at home or in the garden is not only a way to access fresh and nutritious vegetables, but also a way to contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity and culinary traditions. From wild harvesting to planned cultivation, including polyculture management, quelites offer endless possibilities for diversifying diets and improving the soil where they are grown. Learn everything you need to start growing these vegetables: the most common varieties, planting conditions, handling, harvesting, and much more.
What are quelites and why should you grow them?
The term 'quelite' comes from the Nahuatl 'quilitl', which literally means 'vegetable' or 'edible tender plant'. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, this name encompasses a wide variety of herbs and young plants whose shoots, leaves, or stems can be eaten fresh or cooked. Currently, there are more than 350 species of quelites recorded in Mexico alone, although other regions also have their own variants, some of which are still little known outside their local area.
Quelites have historically been a pillar of indigenous and peasant food. Its importance lies in its Ease of production, low care requirements and enormous nutritional valueFurthermore, in traditional Mexican agriculture, quelites are part of complex agricultural systems, where their presence contributes to soil fertility, biological pest control, and community livelihoods. Far from being "weeds," many species are tolerated and protected for their usefulness as food, medicine, and ecological resources.
Main species of quelites: characteristics and uses
Among the most popular quelites we find quintonil (Amaranthus spp.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), papalo (Porophylum ruderale), romerito (Suaeda nigra), huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttaliiae), alaches (Anoda cristata), epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides), chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), holy leaf (Piper auritum), chepiles (crotalaria spp.) and tequelite (Peperomia peltilimba), among others. These plants can be used in virtually any recipe: they are consumed in salads, soups and stews, as well as in appetizers and moles. Each species has its own characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, and cultivation requirements, but they all share a high vitamin and mineral content.
The nutrients provided by these vegetables are essential for a balanced diet. For example, one hundred grams of leaves from amaranth, brassica, or chenopodiaceae can cover the daily requirements of vitamin A, C, riboflavin, and thiamine. The seeds of certain amaranthaceae (such as Amaranthus hypochondriacus y Amaranthus cruentus) contain up to 18% protein, being the basis of traditional foods such as alegría. Its leaves also provide iron, potassium, calcium and fiber, in addition to having medicinal properties recognized in folk medicine.
Ideal conditions for growing quelites
One of the main advantages of quelites is their adaptability to different types of soil and climatic conditions. Many species grow spontaneously in poor soils, crop edges or disturbed areas. Others can be planted intentionally in home gardens or even in pots. In general, quelites require:
- Well-drained soils rich in organic matter, although many species tolerate poor soils.
- Warm or temperate climate, since most species are sensitive to frost.
- Moderate watering: Most of them can tolerate periods of drought, although they appreciate constant humidity, especially in their first days.
- Sun light: Most quelites prefer direct sunlight, although some species thrive in semi-shade.
They can grow up to 2,200 meters above sea level. (such as French purslane) and, although the temperature range varies depending on the species, It is ideal to keep plants protected from extreme cold and wind.
Management methods and planting techniques
The management of quelites depends on the species, the cultivation system and the final destination of the harvest. Traditionally, they have been tolerated, encouraged, and protected in corn and other associated crops, offering benefits for both the farmer and the ecological balance. The main recognized management methods are:
- Tolerance: Maintain useful plants that already grow wild when converting land to cultivation, avoiding complete weeding.
- Protection: Protect selected plants from predators or competition by removing aggressive weeds, pruning, or applying fertilizer.
- Promotion: Intentionally increase the presence of desired species through direct sowing or transplanting to ensure a good harvest.
Steps for planting quelites
Planting quelites is simple and accessible to anyone. Depending on the type of kelp, they can be sown directly in the ground, in furrows, or in pots. These are the general steps:
- Land preparation: Remove the soil and add organic matter (compost or manure) to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sowing: The seeds of most purslane are small and can be scattered superficially; simply cover them with a thin layer of soil. Some species, such as purslane, can also be propagated by cuttings.
- Irrigation: Water gently to avoid displacing the seeds. Keep the soil moist, avoiding waterlogging.
- Increase: When the seedlings are a few centimetres tall, they can be thinned out to leave space between them.
- Harvest: Most quelites are harvested when they are tender. It's best to cut leaves, shoots, or young branches to encourage regrowth.
Some species, such as quintonil, benefit from being planted in association with traditional crops such as corn. This way, soil nutrients are utilized, competition is balanced, and labor is minimized. Many farming families combine direct sowing with the harvesting of wild plants tolerated on the margins of their plots.
The ecological and cultural role of quelites
Beyond their nutritional value, quelites are essential for the health of agroecosystems. Many species act as green manure, increasing organic matter and soil fertility after harvest. Others, such as epazote, can help control nematodes in the soil, while some legumes (such as mucuna and sesbania) fix nitrogen or act as cover crops.
Quelites also promote biological pest control. Some varieties act as traps for harmful insects, while others, when flowering, provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids of pests). Selective management of certain clumps at the edges and between crop rows can enhance the natural balance and reduce dependence on pesticides.
On a cultural level, quelites represent the connection between ancestral knowledge, biodiversity, and traditional cuisine. Each community and region selects and uses the species best adapted to their soil and climatic conditions, passing down recipes and knowledge from generation to generation. Their revaluation in contemporary gastronomy reflects this rich heritage.
Example: mountain purslane or French purslane (Talinum triangulare)
The mountain quelite clearly exemplifies the versatility and resistance of the quelites. Native to tropical America, it is now found in various warmer areas. It is a perennial plant, growing between 30 cm and 1 m tall, with alternate, fleshy leaves, small flowers, and tuberous roots. It grows well in both moist and dry soils, provided the soil has good drainage and organic matter. It can be planted at altitudes of up to 2,200 meters, is shade-tolerant, and thrives on direct sunlight. The young shoots and leaves are edible and highly prized in salads, soups, and stews, and it also has medicinal and ornamental uses.
Agricultural management and sustainability
The cultivation of quelites, especially on small farms, requires few external inputs and relies heavily on local knowledge. Thanks to their hardiness, many species require little additional fertilizer and are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for resource-limited areas or for urban gardens with limited water. Agroecological management of quelites can include practices such as planting in raised beds, using mulch or organic matter, and crop rotation to reduce nutrient depletion and disease development.
One notable aspect is that most quelites do not compete significantly with the main crops. They are usually eaten when tender, before they can affect the development of plants such as corn, beans, or squash. Furthermore, many species can establish themselves on the margins or between rows without causing problems, taking advantage of spaces that would otherwise remain fallow.
Harvesting, post-harvest and marketing
The quelites should be harvested when the shoots are still young and tender, to take advantage of their best flavor and texture. It's recommended to do this in the morning, when the plants maintain their turgidity best. After harvesting, it's important to clean away any remaining soil and debris and store them in cool, humid conditions to preserve their quality and prevent dehydration.
In the market, small farmers and peasant families continue to be the main producers of quelites. Demand in local markets, open-air markets, and restaurants that value traditional cuisine and native products has been increasing. This creates new opportunities for those who cultivate and market these plants, promoting their consumption and conservation.
Recipes and use in the kitchen
Versatility in the kitchen is one of the greatest virtues of quelites. They can be eaten fresh in salads (such as purslane, papalo, or quintonil), cooked in soups and stews, used as filling in quesadillas and tamales, or in moles and sauces. Many traditional recipes combine different quelites or fuse them with other ingredients such as nopales, chilies, or meat, creating dishes with unique flavors and high nutritional value.
Their preparation is usually simple: they are lightly boiled or sautéed to preserve their properties. By including more quelites in the diet, increases the variety and contribution of micronutrients, in addition to supporting the conservation of species and traditional knowledge.
Quelites represent more than just a vegetable; they are a living heritage that reflects biodiversity, history, and a path toward a more responsible and respectful use of natural resources. By growing and consuming them, you strengthen your relationship with the land, your culture, and your healthier, more varied diet. If you decide to include them in your garden or your diet, you'll be helping to keep alive an ancestral legacy full of benefits for health and the environment.