Beninese cuisine is known in Africa for its exotic ingredients and flavorful dishes. Beninese cuisine involves many fresh meals served with a variety of sauces, and are generally light on meat and generous on vegetable fat. Couscous, rice and beans are commonly eaten, along with fruits such as mangos, oranges, and avocados. In southern Benin cuisine, the most common ingredient is corn, often used to prepare dough which is mainly served with peanut- or tomato-based sauces. Fish and chicken are the most common meats and they are often fried in palm or peanut oil. Yams are the main staple in northern Benin, and are also often served with peanut- or tomato-based sauces. Beef and pork are used and often is also fried in palm or peanut oil or cooked in sauces. Cheese is also frequently used in some dishes.