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Objective: characterize the processes of collection, commercialization and consumption of herbaceous quelites, mainly native, in the city of Toluca, Mexico. Methodology: The work was carried out in four markets of the aforementioned city. The ethnographic method was used; semistructured interview guides were applied to 20 collectors, 73 merchants and 69 quelite consumers. Results: In the city of Toluca and its surroundings, quelites continue to be collected, marketed and consumed, but in low quantities; 12 species were identified, and the ones that are mainly consumed are the following: quintoniles (Amaranthus hybridus), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), chivatitos (Calandrinia micrantha), ashes (Chenopodium berlandieri) and huauzontles (Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae). They are prepared at least 12 ways. Limitations: The research was restricted to the markets of the city of Toluca during one time of the year. Conclusions: The quelites that are sold in the traditional markets in the city of Toluca are collected in the surrounding rural areas or are purchased in the large distribution centers; there has been a reduction in their consumption in the last five or eight years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]