The term “hortaliza” refers to any herbaceous plant that is cultivated for its edible parts. Vegetables are hortalizas that are in a green state, such as lettuce, spinach, and cabbage. On the other hand, legumes are hortalizas that come in the form of pods, like beans, broad beans, and peas. We also have herbs, which are used to season and flavor preparations, such as cilantro, parsley, and rosemary. Additionally, there are sweet herbs, known as aromatic herbs, like mint, lemongrass, and spearmint.
With this diversity of hortalizas, we can prepare a wide variety of salads. Salads are dishes that combine two or more vegetables, seasoned with various ingredients. Salads can be simple, made with a single element like tomato or lettuce leaves. There are also mixed salads, which combine at least two products and are dressed with a salad dressing such as vinaigrette, yogurt, or mayonnaise. Finally, we find composed salads, which are prepared with three or more vegetables and may include animal protein, fruits, or other elements. These salads are dressed with a salad dressing or vinaigrette.
It is important to remember that salads are a healthy option recommended by nutritionists, although their characteristics may vary depending on the preparation and ingredients used.
By: Jose Eliseo Guzman B – Gastronomy Expert
