Floristic inventory of the main markets of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Traditional markets are places where edible plants and animals are bought and sold for commercial purposes and/or for human animal consumption. Studies on food biodiversity in markets in the Yucatán Peninsula (YP) are limited or non-existent. Therefore, the principle objectives of this study has been to compile a taxonomically verified inventory of edible plant taxa traded in traditional markets of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, and classify them by culinary category and origin (native vs. exotic); and quantify how product richness and availability are structured across market stalls and states of YP.

Semi-structured surveys were conducted among vendors in 10 YP markets to identify, based on culinary classification, the fruits, vegetables, roots, or tubers sold there.

A total of 117 taxa (76 species, two subspecies, five varieties, and three hybrids) belonging to 61 genera and 33 botanical families were reported. The botanical origin of these taxa, 14 native and 103 exotic. The culinary classification identified 51 fruits, 44 vegetables, 10 legumes, seven roots or tubers, and five aromatic plants.

Fruits and vegetables were the most important part of the commercial offering in the YP, due to the population's dietary preferences. However, a low demand for roots, tubers, legumes, and aromatic plants were observed, most possibly due to the changes in eating habits, the industrialization of consumption, and/or limited access to these products; demonstrating a supply focused on everyday products needs and a high local demand.