Many varieties of tropical fruit are not cultivated but grow freely in the wetland areas or in the uplands. Some are palm fruits. Even today, some of these exotic fruits are only known in the region in which they grow. To the tourist, the sheer variety of new and unusual types can be an overwhelming experience. An assortment of amazing fish tempt the palate.
Meat reigns in the south.
One must experience the popular churrasco, a showy orgy featuring grilled meats of all kinds. For pork, the southeast features delicious roast suckling pig and cracklings of fried pork skin. Vegetables and edible tubers abound, but leafy green vegetables lag in popularity. Menus feature yams, sweet potatoes, squash, peppers, beans and peanuts, to name a few. A hot, red pepper named malagueta is one of three characteristic ingredients of Bahian cookery in the northeast.