Colombian cuisine is Spanish in character with the authentic flavors of the indigenous population. Foods are cooked with olive oil, heavy cream, coconut milk, or cheese and flavored with ground cumin, annatto, parsley, cilantro, chopped onions, tomatoes, and garlic. The Colombian diet includes a lot of meat, and grilling is a very popular cooking method. Guascas, an herb native to Colombia with a flavor similar to boiled peanuts, adds a distinct flavor to many dishes. Hot chile pepper sauces are often used as an accompaniment to the meal. Tropical fruits are abundant and eaten for dessert, snack, or as a garnish to the meal. Potatoes are important, as are other tubers (oca, yacón) which are similar to potatoes and are eaten raw or cooked.