The northeast coast with its rich soil became the most prosperous region early on as vast sugar cane plantations were created to supply a growing demand for that product in Europe. Beginning in the seventeenth century, African slaves were imported to provide labor for these plantations. This is why even today the Northeast is the region with the strongest African influence.  The Northeast region includes the states of: Sergipe, Alagoas, Piaui, Maranhao, Ceara, Pernambuco, Bahia, Paraiba, and Rio Grande do Norte. 
     The Northeast region actually offers two popular meals. Fish, which s preferred near the coast while the inland population enjoys the carne seca (dried beef).  The dishes include many of their spices such as dende, coconut milk, dried spiced shrimp, hot peppers, nuts, and cilantro. Other popular ingredients for all kinds of dishes are okra, black beans, white rice, coconut, seafood and shellfish. This population consumes a lot of fruit that is either grown or found locally.  Some of these fruits include but are not limited to mango, guava, passion fruit, papaya, orange, and pineapple. A popular dish from this area is Acarajé - is made from black eyed peas that are rolled into a ball and fried, and stuffed with condiments, salads and sauces. Some fillings contain shrimp, some are vegetarian.