Editing Veracruz (section)

===Gastronomy===
{{Main article|Cuisine of Veracruz}}
[[File:HuachinangoVeracruzana.JPG|thumb|Huachinango ([[red snapper (fish)|red snapper]]) a la Veracruzana]]

The gastronomy of the state is unique in Mexico and mixed Spanish, indigenous, and Caribbean influences.<ref name="atractcul">{{cite web |url=http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/veracruz/ |title=Atractivos Culturales y Turísticos |year=2005 |work=Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave |publisher=Instituto Nacional para el Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal |location=Mexico |language=es |trans-title=Cultural and Tourist Attractions |access-date=August 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616191401/http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/veracruz/ |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}</ref> From the pre-Hispanic period, the cuisine of the state was unique. The staple triumvirate of corn, beans, and squash was supplemented by tropical fruits, vanilla beans, and an herb called acuyo or [[hoja santa]]. Another important native contribution is seafood, which is featured in many dishes such as, [[arroz a la tumbada]] and caldo de mariscos (seafood soup).<ref name="khursh"/>

During the colonial period, a variety of spices and ingredients were introduced to Veracruz, significantly impacting the local cuisine. In terms of spices, the Spanish introduced [[bay laurel]], [[cilantro]], [[parsley]], [[parsley]], and [[thyme]] from Europe and [[cloves]], [[cinnamon]], and [[black pepper]] from Asia. They also brought almonds, capers, garlic, olives, olive oil, rice, and wheat. Capers, garlic, and olive oil are essential ingredients in what is perhaps the most famous specialty of the region, [[huachinango a la veracruzana]], red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce. Caribbean imports such as [[sugar cane]] and pineapple were adapted as well as the peanut, brought from Africa by the Portuguese (although the peanut is originally from South America).<ref name="khursh"/>

Veracruz cuisine divides into six regions called Sotavento, Centro Norte, Centro Sur, Sierra, Costa Norte, and Los Tuxtlas. The Sotovento area is in the south of the state, and the dishes here are heavily based on rice. Common dishes include arroz a la tumbada, which is rice cooked with seafood or meat and rice with fried bananas. Seafood dishes are also prominent based mostly on fish and shrimp. A common ingredient in dishes is a herb called "hoja santa" or "hierba Santa", which is a plant of the family [[Piperaceae]]. The Centro Norte is centered on Xalapa. Dishes here tend to be more indigenous in nature, heavily flavored with mild chili peppers. Common dishes here include Chilehuates, similar to a tamale, stuffed chile peppers, and enchiladas. Less seafood and more pork and domestic fowl are consumed. The Centro Sur area is mostly indigenous and encompasses the area of, Huatusco, Coscomatepec, Cotaxtla, Orizaba, Amatlán, Huilango y las españolas Córdoba y Fortín de las Flores, la negra Yanga and San Lorenzo de los Negros. Dishes here are similar to Centro Norte, but [[chayote]]s appear more often as this region is a major producer of the vegetable. Meats in [[adobo]] sauce are common as well. The Sierra and Costa Norte encompass the northern part of the state, such as the Pánuco River area and Totonacapan. This area is noted for a number of unique dishes such as frijoles en achuchutl, made with black beans, pork rind, chayotes, squash seeds, and [[jalapeño pepper]]s. [[Bocole]]s are a kind of filled tortilla made with corn dough, stuffed with black beans, chorizo, eggs, or seafood, which then are fried in lard. Tamales are often made with banana leaves. The area is also known for its breads, especially [[anise]]–flavored rolls. The Los Tuxtlas area is centered on the communities of Santiago, San Andrés and Catemaco, which were the center of the Olmec civilization. The cuisine in this area features yucca, "chocos" (a type of edible flower), fish, especially mojarra, and exotic meats such as monkey, and [[iguana]].<ref name="atractcul"/>