Local varieties, which are one of the important elements of cultural heritage, continue to exist today by being carried from generation to generation. These varieties, which are called by different names such as local varieties, village varieties-village populations, old varieties, amateur varieties, are defined as medium-yielding, variable populations with high adaptation and stress tolerance, used by our ancestors in the past, continuously improved by local producers using traditional methods. Local varieties, which are the common heritage of biodiversity and culture, are subject to genetic erosion due to many reasons such as the increasing use of high-yielding modern varieties and the old age of the people who protect these varieties. Our local varieties, which are also very valuable for breeding studies, are important for food safety, the continuation of local traditions and flavors, and human and environmental health. In this review article, local varieties, their importance and historical process are discussed with related studies.