Southern American cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures and influences, heavily relying on corn, beans, rice, and other grains. The diversity of the American South, with its many different cultures and traditions, has led to a wide range of different foods, and Southern cuisine reflects that diversity. Southern American cuisine is usually associated with soul food. Soul food uses many different ingredients to create rich, flavorful dishes. Another important aspect of Southern American cuisine is a reliance on fresh and local produce. With its long growing season, the South has an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods often featured in Southern dishes. Of course, this reliance on fresh, local ingredients makes it harder to export Southern American cuisine.