Food is an important part of everyone's cultural identity. Traditional cooking is the heart of each community's identity. When a foreigner tries a local dish, they learn more about the area's traditions. For example, when a person travels to the coast and asks for ceviche. The tourist knows it's made with fresh seafood, which is typical and available in that region. On the other hand, a person who visits the highland region can enjoy dishes prepared with pork, potatoes, and corn. In the Amazon region, there is a great variety of exotic foods, including ants with lemon. Visitors should try local dishes to understand the community they're visiting, and help the local economy. In Ecuador, every geographical region and city has its own gastronomical tradition. In the Galapagos and the coast, the traditional dishes are seafood. In the highlands and the Amazon region, a variety of vegetables are always available. Chefs and local people who know how to cook delicious dishes which keep gastronomical traditions alive.

a. What are the three characteristics that define identity?
B. Why is it important to try local dishes when visiting other places?
C. What are the usual ingredients for cooking on the coast and in the Sierra? Coastal Highlands
D. Who produces the ingredients to prepare the local dishes?​