hortelanos

Hortelanos is a term with origins in the Spanish language, directly translating to "market gardeners" or "vegetable growers." Historically, it referred to individuals who cultivated land for the purpose of growing vegetables and other produce for sale, particularly in urban or peri-urban areas. These growers were distinct from large-scale agriculturalists who might focus on staple crops for export or storage.

The role of a hortelano involved the direct cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and sometimes herbs. They were often small-scale farmers, operating plots of land close to their customers. This proximity allowed for the sale of fresh produce, often directly from the farm or at local markets. The work was labor-intensive, requiring knowledge of soil, planting cycles, pest control, and harvesting techniques.

In many societies, hortelanos played a crucial role in supplying fresh food to local populations, contributing to the diet and economy of their communities. The term emphasizes a specific type of farming focused on direct consumption and market trade, rather than large-scale commodity production. While the term is rooted in historical agricultural practices, the concept of small-scale vegetable growers serving local markets continues to exist today, though often under different names such as market gardeners or urban farmers.