Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest species of trees on the planet. It is a unique tree without any living botanical relatives. It has been classified in a separate division Ginkgophyta, which contains the class of Ginkgoopsida, order of Ginkgoales, family of Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo, and to this day it is the only living species belonging to this division. The tree is considered to be a “living fossil”, meaning that it has continued to survive even after major extinction events. It was named the maidenhair tree in England because the leaves look similar…
Author: Sylvia
Miracle fruits are botanically classified as Sysepalum ducificum and a member of the Sapotaceae family and is native to tropical west and west central Africa. Other names for these berries include Magic Berry, Miracle Berry, Miraculous Berry and Sweet Berry. Miracle berries are tasteless, but they have a sweet effect on sour foods. Limes, lemons, and even vinegar, taste sweet if they are eaten after a Miracle berry. This sensation occurs, because an active glycoprotein molecule called, miraculin, attaches to the taste buds and alters the sweet receptors on the tongue and changes sour flavors to sweet flavors. This flavor…
Castanea sativa usually referred to as the Spanish or Sweet Chestnut is a deciduous broadleaf tree native of Mediterranean in south-eastern Europe to Caucasus in Asia Minor. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Fagaceae and is cultivated throughout the temperate world. Chestnut, Chestnut Tree, Edible Chestnut, European Chestnut, Italian Chestnut, Marron, Portuguese Chestnut, Spanish chestnut and Sweet Chestnut is some of the common names of the sweet chestnuts. Chestnuts are a major food crop in regions where they are grown. The nuts are normally not eaten raw but used baked, boiled, roasted or in confectionery. Plant…
With the scientific name of Bertholletia excelsa, Brazil nuts are a nutrient-dense and delicious type of nut that comes from Brazil nut tree in South America. The trees is actually native to South American countries such as Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela and are often found along the banks of major rivers. Botanically, brazil-nut tree belongs within the family of Lecythidaceae, in the genus Bertholletia. The genus is named after the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet. It’s quite a large tree, so the harvest of Brazil nuts is very large. It is a major exported nut from the South American…
Boysenberry, scientific name, Rubus ursinus var loganobaccus cv Boysenberry, is actually a hybrid aggregate fruit that was cultivated by cross pollinating the flowers of three other berries: raspberry, loganberry and the blackberry. Ironically, the loganberry itself is also a cross between the raspberry and the blackberry. The fruit is named after its originator, Charles Rudolf Boysen, a Swedish berry breeder who lived in California in the 1920s. Large, dark purple, juicy and intense, it derives its distinctive flavor from its complex ancestry: sweetness and floral aroma from its raspberry grandmother, and a winy, feral tang from three native blackberry species.…
Nigella sativa also known as nigella or kalonji, often called black cumin, is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to south and southwest Asia. Black Cumin seed has been used in Middle Eastern folk medicine as a natural remedy for various diseases for over 2000 years. The prophet Mohammed is mentioned as saying in the Koran, “This black cumin is healing for all diseases except death.” The black cumin he was discussing to be Nigella sativa. It’s been used for centuries to treat everything from abscesses to herpes zoster. Due to its amazing power of healing, Black…
Macadamia nuts scientifically known as Macadamia integrifolia is actually a rich, flavorful nut native to the continent of Australia, although they are also grown in Hawaii. These nuts made an important traditional food source for native Australians, who called them Jindilli or Kindal Kindal nuts. This nut is named after John Macadam, a Scottish born physician and chemist who have actually promoted the nuts cultivation in Australia. Australian Bush Nut, Bauple Nut, Bopple Nut, Bush Nut, Macadamia Nut, Nut Oak, Queensland Nut; Smooth Macadamia, Smooth-Shelled Macadamia and Smooth-Shelled Queensland-Nut are some of the popular varieties of macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts…
Soursop (Annona muricata) is actually a member of unique plant family, Annonaceae, whose members include the cherimoya, custard apple and sugar apple or pinha. The genus Annona belongs to the Annonaceae family, which consists of more than 119 genera. There are over 2000 species of Annona, of which Annona muricata is one of the most cultivated. Annona muricata, also known by the common name of soursop, is an ovate conical and strange looking fruit, with irregular shape; the outside color is dark green when unripe, and light green when ripe. The fruit rind has many short, soft, pointed carpel protuberances which…
A member of the rose family, the salmon berry plant (Rubus spectabilis) is related to the raspberry, nagoonberry, wild strawberry, thimbleberry and cloudberry. But do not confuse salmon berries with cloudberries, occasionally referred to as low bush salmon berries. The plant is native to the west coast of North America from west central Alaska to California, inland as far as Idaho. Salmon berries were normally picked and eaten raw or mixed with meat or dried salmon. Other parts of the plant, including the young shoots and the bark, were collected and eaten or used for medicinal purposes. Today the berries…
Tropaeolum tuberosum also known as mashua is a species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae, grown in the Andes, mainly in Peru and Bolivia, and to a lesser extent in Ecuador as well as in Boyacá Department, Colombia, for its edible tubers, which are consumed cooked or roasted as a vegetable. Anu, Anyu, Bulbous Nasturtium, Capucine, Edible Nasturtium, Mashua, Patagonian Capucine, Peruvian Capucine, Peruvian Nasturtium, Tuber Nasturtium, Tuberous Nasturtium, Tuberous Rooted Nasturtium are some of the popular common names of mashua. Apart from that Var. lineamaculatum and Var. piliferum are two of the most popular varieties of mashua plant…
Typha latifolia also known as Cattail, Lesser Bulrush, Lesser Reed-Mace, Nail- Rod, Narrow-Leaf Cattail, Narrow leaf Cattail, Reed-Mace, Small Reed-Mace and Small Bulrush is actually a slender perennial aquatic emergent plant native throughout the temperate northern hemisphere. Although many of us probably have seen cattails growing on the edges of lakes and marshes and have never considered that it can be a very valuable addition to your diet, as it provides a wealth of unique nutrients and medicinal properties, many of which have been trusted on for hundreds of years. Though most people aren’t even mindful that this plant can…
Turkey berry scientifically known as Solanum torvum is also known as Plate Brush, Devils Fig, Pea Eggplant, Bhankatiya, Pea Aubergine, Wild Eggplant, Gully Bean, Tekokak, Susumber, and many other names is native to Central and South America and currently found in India, Africa, China, Thailand, The Caribbean, South America, Indonesia, Florida, Alabama, Brazil, Mexico, Ghana, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico (In the high mountains of Puerto Rico they grow thousands of pounds of Turkey Berries), and other places in US and the world. It grows in a wide range of habitats throughout the tropics and subtropics. It grows best…
Rosemary, an herb whose botanical name is Rosmarinus officinalis, is a sun-loving shrub, native to the south of France and other Mediterranean regions and is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae along with many other herbs, such as lavender, oregano, basil and thyme. The name “rosemary” derives from the Latin for ‘dew’ (ros) and ‘sea’ (marinus), or ‘dew of the sea’. The plant is also occasionally called anthos, from the ancient Greek word ἄνθος, meaning “flower”. Polar plant, compass-weed, or compass plants are some of the popular common names of rosemary. Apart from that Frost Hardy Rosemary, White Rosemary,…
Kumquats scientifically known as Fortunella japonica belong to the Rutaceae family, in the genus, Fortunella, and named so after the botanist Robert fortune, who brought them from China to Europe in the middle of the 19th century. They have been referred to as “the little gems of the citrus family”. Kumquats’ are also known as ‘cumquats’, and the name is taken from the Cantonese word 金橘, pronounced ‘kamkwat’, which exactly means ‘gold’ or ‘golden’ and ‘orange’ or ‘tangerine’. The plant is native to southern China and Golden Orange, Marumi Kumquat, Morgani Kumquat, Round Kumquat, Sweet-Peeled Kumquat are few of the…
Jujube botanically known as Ziziphus jujube, also known as Chinese red date, Da Zao, and Chinese date is a popular “drupe” fruit of Chinese origin. It grows in natural wild and cultivated orchards in Korea, Japan, and many Middle Eastern regions. Actually jujube tree has been cultivated since 4,000 years ago. In ancient times, it was categorized as “The Five Fruits” together with peach, plum, prunus mume, and apricot. Because of its crispy texture, edible skin, and a sweet-tart, apple-like flavor, Jujube is grown throughout the world. Dry jujube has similar taste and nutrition profile as that of dates; packed…
Pouteria sapota also known as mamey, mamey sapote or mamey colorado, is an important fruit native to Central America –Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua Puerto Rico and Mexico. It belongs to the botanical family, the Sapotaceae and is related to other sapotes like sapodilla, abiu and canistel, but unrelated to the black sapote and white sapote. The word “sapote” is supposed to derive from the Aztec tzapotl, a general term applied to all soft, sweet fruits. It has long been used as a common name for Pouteria sapota. Lava Sapote, Mamey Colorado, Mamey Sapote, Mamee Apple, Mammee Sapote, Mamee…
Trifolium pretense, commonly known as Red clover, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It grows satisfactorily in the cool climates and well drained soils. It is native to Europe, Western Asia and Northwest Africa but now have been naturalized and introduced in various parts of the world. Medium (double cut) and Mammoth (single cut) are the two varieties of Red clover. Other common names for this species are: Beebread, Chilean Clover, Mammoth Clover, Meadow Clover, Meadow Trefoil, Purple Clover, Red Clover and Sweet Kitty Clover. It could be found in dry or wet grasslands, meadows, field…
Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is a fresh water plant that has been grown in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean for over 5000 years. China and Japan classify the lotus as a vegetable and regularly eat the roots, called rhizomes, as well as its stems and leaves. Petals are used to spice dishes and to make teas. The seeds, a major export from China, are prepared in many ways for eating or healing applications. Seeds are available in various dry fruits store and you can eat it just like popcorn. But unlike popcorn, lotus seeds are healthy and offer many benefits. It…
Cucurbita moschata Duchesne commonly known as pumpkin is actually a monoecious, climbing vine which is found growing in hot and humid climates and well-drained soil which is rich in organic matters. It is a member of the Cucurbit family, which includes squash, cantaloupe, watermelon and cucumbers. Pumpkin plant nears both male and female flowers although male flowers appear first. Male flowers are borne straight off the vine while females have a small fruit swelling at the base near the stem. Normally pumpkin flowers are pentamerous, axillary, solitary, bright yellow or orangey yellow colored. Click here for more details about Pumpkin >>…
Pumpkin scientifically known as Cucurbita moschata Duchesne is a creeping vine which has large alternate, simple, ovate-cordate- sub orbicular leaves of 20–25 × 25–30 cm. Pumpkin leaf is a dark green leafy vegetable found in the tropics, rich in water, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium, vitamins A , K and folate. It is used for various soups in the West African sub-region. Squash & Pumpkin leaves are indeed, edible. In many parts of the world, including Asia and Africa, they are a regular part of the diet when available. The taste is similar to a mixture of green beans,…
Trifolium repens, the white clover, is an herbaceous plant of the family Fabaceae/Leguminosae, native to Europe and Central Asia which has been introduced as a yard crop globally. It is common in New Zealand and North America. Common names include Honeysuckle Clover, Lodi Clover, Ladino Clover, Dutch Clover, White Clover, Dutch White Clover and White Sweet Clover. Bumblebees visit the flowers mostly. Clover is mostly cultivated as a forafe. It grows well in cool and moist climates. Plant It is a glabrous, perennial, herbaceous plant, variable in size, growing to 50 cm tall. The leaves are trifoliate, alternate, ovate or…
The ackee fruit, Blighia sapida, is a tropical exotic widely known for its toxicity, is regarded as a marker species for Jamaican nationals and was named in honor of William Bligh. Bligh was a British naval officer and colonial administrator who was responsible for the transportation of an ackee plant on the Providence from Jamaica to Kew Gardens in England in 1793, where ackee was scientifically described by botanist Charles Konig (Konig angli cized his name from Karl König, or Koenig.) Ackee belongs to the botanical family Sapindaceae, also known as the soapberry family; other known family members include lychee (Litchi chinensis),…
Enoki mushrooms (Flammulina veluptipes) also known as Enokitake mushrooms or even Enokidake mushrooms are actually a long and thin type of mushroom with small caps on one end and is native to China, Japan and Korea. Chinese recognize this particular mushroom as Jingu while Koreans refer to it as “paengi beoseot”. Additionally it is referred to as “Tram Vang” or even “Kim Cham” in Vietnam. There are many types of Enoki mushroom grown throughout the world, most well-known are off-white, light brown as well as golden colored mushroom. The white variety is generally sold in supermarkets and is often grown…
Scientifically known as Physalis Philadelphica tomatillo is the fruit of the member of Solanaceae or nightshade family of fruit and vegetable, which also includes tomato, eggplant, chilli pepper, potato and ground cherry. Sometimes called husk cherries or tomato verde, tomatillos are a small, green fruit native to Mexico. They are mainly grown in western hemisphere and are popular in Vegas gardens. They are as small as cherry tomatoes and enclosed in a husky papery shell; this shell may be light green to brown in color which varies from time to time. Plant Tomatillo is a small annual glabrous shrub growing…
Fennel bulb is sweet flavored vegetable often used as ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Its juicy puffy bulb imparts distinctive “anise like” sweet flavor to the recipes. Bulb fennel is grown as a vegetable due to its attractive, squatted stems in numerous regions in the southern Europe, mainly in Italy. It is also known as Florence fennel, finocchio, sweet fennel, etc. Bulb fennel is a cool season perennial herb but grown in all seasons of the year. Fennel is a small plant, growing up to only 2 m in height. As the plant grows, its compact lower leaves overlie one above…
Fennel seed is the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare – or what we commonly known as fennel – a flowering plant in the carrot family. Native to the Mediterranean, these aromatic seeds are used in several cuisines around the world. Fennel seed has an oval shape and once dried takes on a greenish-brown color, which gradually fades to gray as the seeds age. Due to their similar sweet as well as subtle licorice-like taste, fennel seed is often confused with anise. Fennel seed is believed to be a digestive aid. It’s used to make tea and capsules sold for this purpose,…
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), also known as F. officinale, is actually a member of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) or carrot family, along with dill (Anethum graveolens), caraway (Carum carvi ), and anise (Pimpinella anisum ). Native to the Mediterranean region, Fennel is a versatile vegetable that plays an important role in the food culture of many European nations, particularly in France and Italy. In some parts of the world, fennel is ordered as invasive species because it spreads quickly and eliminates native plants. Fennel is a multipurpose plant. Ancient Romans used it to prevent obesity. Ancient Greeks used it as a remedy.…
Arugula (Eruca sativa) is an edible flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae native to Mediterranean areas such as Greece, Italy and Turkey. It is also called Rocket, Roquette, Rucola, Garden rocket, Rocket, Eruca, Rocket Salad, Arrugula, Gargeer, Roka, Rugula and Tira. It is an annual plant which grows upto 2”-6” high. Arugula survives in cool climates. The leaves are elongated, flat which resembles dandelion and vary in size about 7-10 cm long. The flowers are white with purple veins. It is a culinary herb which prominently features in Italian and French cuisines. Arugula is most often used as salads, soups,…
Hungarian Pepper scientifically known as Capsicum annuum spp is actually a member of Capsicum annum and a close relative of the banana pepper. There are several varieties of Hungarian peppers ranging in heat from mild to spicy depending upon variety. In commercial marketing today banana pepper and Hungarian pepper are frequently used interchangeably in the naming of this pepper with “hot” or “sweet” tagged on as an indication of heat level and flavor. Hungarian peppers are considered a “sweet-hot” chili pepper. They are used in a variety of ways in cooking, and they are accessible in grocery stores and farmers’…
Epazote (scientific name Chenopodium ambrosioides) is an annual or perennial herb, 1 meter tall with simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves 2-12 cm long and 2.5-9 cm wide. The flowers are small, green and elongated. The stems are branched, terete-angular, hairless and reddish in color. The green or brown fruit yield horizontal or vertical, lenticular-subglobose, black, brown or reddish brown and shiny seeds. The plant does well in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in well-drained soil. The flowering season occurs from July to August and the fruiting season is September. The mostly common names for this species are Mexican tea, Wormseed,…