Diversity of leaves used for Tamales in Veracruz, Mexico

The tamalli is one of the most famous indigenous Mexican foods are part of festive and ceremonials events. Tamal in Nahuatl language it means wrapping. This study was conducted in three regions of Veracruz, Mexico: Totonacapan (north), Sierra de Zongolica (center) and the Los Tuxtlas (south). Using 85 semistructured interviews, a literature review, consultation floristic data bases and field work we gathered 10 species. The results show that most leaves are used in green manner through half roasted and half roasted with steam. With the exception of Musa paradisiaca, all species are native or American origin. The leaves are gathered from the forests, cultivated in home gardens and only three are commercially cultivated.  Some leaves have other uses, for instance: ornamental, livestock feed, food, wrap food.