It is a xerophyte producing about 200-300 species, mainly growing in arid (less than 250 mm annual precipitation) and semi-arid (250-450 mm) zones, and is produced and consumed in several countries. It is native to North America, where archeological and phylogenetic evidence confirms that central Mexico is the center of domestication of these species, and it is densely produced in the desert zones of the southern United States, north central Mexico, and Peru. Because of its high adaptability, remarkable genetic variability, and multiple uses, it has been dispersed from its native habitats in North America to other regions in…
Author: Sylvia
Napa Cabbage (Brassica rapa) also known as Chinese cabbage, pe-tsai, celery cabbage, Chinese white cabbage, Peking cabbage, won bok, nappa (Japanese), hakusai (Japanese), pao, hsin pei tsai, Chinese leaf belongs to Brassica family; a large class of leafy/flower-head vegetables which also includes brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and broccoli. It is native to Beijing region of China and is cultivated throughout the world due to its higher nutritional value. There are two major types of Napa cabbage; Chilili and Che foo. Chilili types produce cylindrical heads, measuring about 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, featuring erect, upright growing habit. Che-foo…
Grapes scientifically known as Vitis vinifera is a small round berries growing in clusters on a perennial and deciduous woody vine in the genus Vitis. The word grape was derived from the Old French term grap, which means bunch or cluster, and is also the term for a long hook used to harvest these clustered fruits. They are widely viewed as the queen of the fruits in many cultures since ancient times and are native to Mediterranean region, central Europe, and Asia Minor. Common Grapevine, Domestic Grape, European Grape, Grape, Grapes, Grapevine and Wine Grape are few of the common…
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) also known as cow-horn pepper, Bird’s-Eye Chili, Bird’s-Eye Pepper, aleva, Bird Pepper, Cayenne, Chile De Cera, Goat Pepper and Guinea Pepper is a member of Capsicum genus and nightshade family (Solanaceae). Cayenne pepper is considered to have originated from southern USA, Mexico to northern and eastern South America. The name “cayenne” comes from the town where these peppers originated, in French Guiana off the northeast coast of South America. It is also said that Christopher Columbus discovered these spicy little guys while he was traipsing around the Caribbean, and brought them with him when he traveled…
Oyster mushroom is an edible mushroom which was originated from Germany during the World War I. Pleurotus ostreatus is commonly known as Oyster Shelf, Tree Oyster, Tamogitake and Straw Mushroom, is a mushroom very similar to Pleurotus pulmonarius with some differences. The cap of Oyster mushroom are broad and fan or oyster shape. Pleurotus ostreatus prefer temperate and sub-tropical climate. This fungi grows on dead hardwood trees. History It was firstly sophisticated in Germany during the World War I. It is grown economically in the world as a food. It is cultivated as similar to the king Oyster mushroom. These…
Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonica which is also known as Japanese Horseradish, Wasabi is a member of Brassicaceae family which also includes cabbages, cauliflower, horseradish, and mustard. Wasabi plant is native to Japan, Korea, Russia (Far East) and North China and the roots of wasabi are used mainly as a condiment and have a very strong aroma. It is supposed to be one of the rarest and most difficult vegetables to grow in the world and is grown in two main ways, either in flooded fields or in soil based mediums. Even though all parts of the wasabi plant including…
Spirulina is blue-green algae with a perfect spiral shape. Actually spiral shape is the reason for the name Spirulina. It belongs to a cyanobacteria species and it is scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis. Other subspecies are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina geitleri. They are generally found in alkaline lakes in Mexico and Africa. It is rich in nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. It can survive in the harshest conditions, both environmentally and chemically. It can endure extreme alkaline conditions, highly saline waters that contain 30 grams to 270 grams of salt per liter and still survive. Since…
Allspice which is also called Jamaica pepper; Kurundu, Myrtle pepper, pimento, allspice berries, or newspice is a spice that is the dried unripe fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant, native to the West Indies, southern Mexico and Central America. It is an evergreen tropical shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family and in the genus: pimento. Allspice is sad to have discovered by Christopher Columbus in Jamaica during his second voyage to the new world. During 17th century, it was named allspice spice traders identified it with mixture of flavors of clove and cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually it spread throughout the…
Pimiento, also pimento scientifically known as Capsicum annuum, is a type of pepper slightly similar to the bell pepper. Also known as pimento, cherry pepper or Sheep Nose, it is a member of Solanaceae family and is native to southern North America and northern South America. It is one of the most common and widely grown of the five domesticated capsicums. Pimentos have the lowest Scoville Scale rating scoring about a 500 on the Scoville Heat Index and are the same peppers that are dried and ground into paprika. Do not plant pimento near eggplant, tomatoes or potatoes, as all…
Chrysanthemums occasionally called mums or chrysanths are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China. In China it is mostly produced in Henan, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shandong, Sichuan, Hebei and other provinces. Majority of them are cultivated but few of them are wild. Name “chrysanthemum” is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). The name was given by a Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus, who is known as the father of modern taxonomy. It is commonly…
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is a widely cultivated summer squash in the family Cucurbitaceae which also includes melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and gourds. It is a vigorous annual, monoecious, trailing vine which bears fruits that are widely used as culinary vegetables. Some varieties of Zucchini are: Black Beauty, Raven, Fordhook, Dunja, Gadzukes, Gourmet Gold, Cocozelle, Caserta, Magda, Summer Green, Tiger, Italian Ribbed, Bush Baby, Patio Star, Golden Egg and Round De Nice. The Zucchini is originally from Mexico where it was domesticated 5000 years ago. Other common names of Zucchini include Summer Squash, Courgette, Crookneck Squashes and Custard Squash. History Zucchini was…
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), is actually a starch rich, creeping underground rhizome that belongs to the Marantaceae family plants. The plant is native to the tropics of South America, where it has a long history of cultivation by native peoples and is widely grown in the Caribbean islands, Philippines and South America for its fine, easily digestible edible starch rich tubers. Arrowroot is cultivated primarily as a source of food starch which is found in cylindrical rhizomes. Some of the common names are Arrow Head, Arrow-root, Arrowroot, Bermuda Arrowroot, Maranta, Obedience Plant, St. Vincent Arrowroot and West Indian Arrowroot. It is…
Shallots (scientific name Allium ascalonicum or Allium cepa var. aggregatum) are members of the Allium plant family, which includes onions, garlic and chives and smaller in size. Shallots are native to Central or Southeast Asia, traveling from there to India and the eastern Mediterranean. They are closely related to garlic and have a similar structure of a head composed of multiple cloves. Some popular common names of shallots are Baker’s Garlic, Chinese Onion, Chinese Scallion, Chinese Shallots, Japanese Scallion, Kiangsi Scallion, Kiangsi Shallot, Oriental Onion, Rakkyo and Small Angled Chives. Shallots are often thought to be another variety of…
Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), also known as Goa bean, four-angled bean, four-cornered bean, Manila bean, Mauritius bean is a tropical legume plant native to New Guinea. It grows lavishly in hot, humid countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia to India, Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka. It is a climbing plant in the fabaceae family and similar in appearance and growth habit to the ordinary garden pole bean. Almost all the parts of the plant including immature pods, mature seeds, tender leaves and shoots, flowers and tubers are used in the East-Asian cuisine. Leaves can be eaten like spinach, flowers…
Chinese water chestnut or water chestnut scientifically known as Eleocharis dulcis is an edible tuber that belongs to the sedge family of Cyperaceae and is native to Asia (China, Japan, India, Philippines, etc.), Australia, tropical Africa, and various islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is grown in many countries for its edible corms. Chinese water chestnut may be mistaken for the European type (Trapa natans) and another Chinese water chestnut (Trapa bicornis) which have dense floating leaves and produce a horn-shaped nut. These are not economically important and can become weeds. Bush Nut, Chinese water chestnut, Edible Spike…
Nasturtium officinale referred to as Watercress, is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant. Watercress is genetically and closely related to mustard plant sharing their pungent and peppery flavor. Nasturtium officinale, which is widely used as a vegetable, is a species of Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton, native to Western Asia, Europe, India and Africa. Other common names of Watercress include Common cress and Garden cress. This perennial plant can reach a height of 16 inches (41 cm). The white flowers are only 3 to 5 mm in length which has four petals. This herb is cultivated for its stems and leaves which…
Scientifically known as Brassica rapa, turnip is a white-skinned root vegetable from the Brassicaceae family that has become globally popular both for human consumption and livestock feed. Native to northern Europe, turnip was a staple of ancient Greek and Roman diets. They are commonly grown in temperate areas across the globe, and are cultivated for the nutritional value and taste of the root. Some common names of turnip include Fodder Turnip, Italian Kale, Rapini, Seven Top Turnip, Stubble Turnip and White Turnip. Turnip greens are also consumed in some parts of the world as a cruciferous vegetable, and there…
Known scientifically as Solanum lycopersicum, the tomato is the red berry type fruit which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae which also includes chili peppers, potato, eggplant, etc. and is native to South America. Despite technically being a fruit, the tomato is generally categorized as a vegetable. Garden Tomato, Tomato is few of the common names of the plant. Tomatoes are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, while red tomatoes are the most common one. Tomatoes are once considered poisonous and were grown only for ornamental purposes under the names “tomatl,” “love apple” or “pomme…
Fiddlehead fern (Matteuccia struthioreris) is a fern in the genus Matteuccia Todaro and family Dryopteridaceae. It is a perennial plant which thrives in temperate climate and well drained soils. Fiddlehead fern is also called as Ostrich fern and Shuttlecock fern. The plant of fiddlehead fern grows about five feet long which possess a U shaped grooved on the side of stem. The leaves are pinnate or bipinnate which is bright green in color and usually 4 feet long. The stalk is about 4 cm in diameter and 10-12 cm in height. The varieties of Fiddlehead ferns are classified as: Ostrich…
Sweet potato is tuberous crop from the morning glory family Convolvulaceae native to Tropical regions in America. Sweet potato was believed to be domesticated in either South America or Central America. Sweet potato was domesticated in Central America 5,000 years ago. Sweet potato was found back 8000 BC in South America. It is a perennial crop which is cultivated as an annual in tropical and temperate areas for its edible starchy tuberous root. China is the world’s largest producer of sweet potato. It is usually red, purple, brown, yellow-brown and white in color. History It was believed that Sweet potato was…
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) also known as eddo or dasheen is really a starchy edible tuber grown in several exotic nations around the world. It is a member of the Araceae family, which includes the philodendron, anthurium and dieffenbachia plants. Due to its similarity to the potato, it is usually known as the “potato of the tropics.” Probably native to southeastern Asia, later it spread to Pacific islands and became a staple crop. It is cultivated for its large, starchy, spherical underground tubers, which are consumed as cooked vegetables. Leaves, root and corm of the taro plant are delicious; however they…
Cucurbita maxima also known as Winter squash is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and relatives of both the melon and the cucumber and is native to temperate South America– Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay and come in many different varieties. While each type varies in shape, color, size and flavor, they all share some common characteristics. Winter squash is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas. Seeds found in Mexico have been dated to be 10,000 years old. Winter squash are not grown or harvested in winter, but picked when fully ripe and feature a hard shell…
Swamp cabbage (Ipomoea aquatic) is an edible flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae native to Asia, Africa and southwestern Pacific Islands. Swamp cabbage is known under various common names, including Water Spinach, River Spinach, Kangkong, Water convolvulus, Water Morning Glory, Chinese Watercress, Chinese spinach and Chinese convolvulus. It is a semiaquatic, herbaceous plant with milky sap which grows up to 3 m long. Swamp cabbage survives in tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves are alternate, simple, arrow head shaped-lanceolate, and very variable in size from about 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) long and 2-8 cm (0.8-3 inches) broad. The flowers are…
Soybeans or soya beans scientifically known as Glycine max are a type of legume that belongs to family Leguminosae (pulse family) and is native to eastern Asia. They are an important component of Asian diets and have been consumed for thousands of years. Today, they are mainly grown in Asia, and South and North America. In Asia, soybeans are often eaten whole in Asia, but in Western countries heavily processed soy products are much more common. Various soy products are available, like soy flour, tofu, soy protein, soybean oil; soy milk and soy sauce are easily available around the world.…
Spinach also called Spinacia oleracea is a leafy green vegetable which is cultivated for its edible leaves and added to various recipes. Spinach is an annual or rarely biennial plant which prefers well-drained soil and grown in cool climates. It has the lifespan of one year. History Spinach is native to Southwestern Asia. During the early 7th century AD, it reached China through Nepal. In early 8th century, until spinach was recognized in Spain, it did not reach Europe. In 1568, Spinach was planted in England. It was introduced by the colonists to Western Hemisphere of three varieties. Around 1812,…
Sesbania grandiflora also known as agate or hummingbird tree is a small tree in the genus Sesbania and is believed to have originated either in India or Southeast Asia and grows primarily in hot and humid tropical areas of the world. Commonly it is known as caturay, katurai, corkwood tree, scarlet wisteria, sesban, vegetable hummingbird in English, agati a grandes fleurs in French, Ta-Hua in Chinese, Agasti in Nepali, Baculo in Spanish, A Ga Sta in Tibetan and lots more. Sesbania grandiflora belonging to family Leguminosae and contains plenty of sterols, saponins and tannins which are liable for its various…
Agar seaweed scientifically known as Eucheuma spp. is seaweeds that are most common and fast growing species in the Philippines and are found from just below the low tide mark to the upper subtidal zone of the reef, growing usually on sandy-corally to rocky substrata where water movement is slow to moderate. They grow by means of an apical meristem consisting of a group of actively dividing cells at the tip of the branches. They exhibit a triphasic life cycle, consisting of the gametophyte (n) (dioecious), carposporophyte (2n) and the sporophyte (2n). Even though commercially significant, species of eucheuma are difficult…
Rutabaga (Brassica napus L.; Napobrassica group), also referred to as swedes, Swedish turnips, and turnip-rooted cabbage, is a member of the Cruciferae. The word “Rutabaga” comes from the Swedish “rotabagge,” which means root ram, baggy root, thick root and ram’s foot. Rutabagas are only called rutabagas in the U.S. throughout the rest of the world, they’re known as swedes. This root vegetable is supposed to have originated in Bohemia in the 17th century as a hybrid between the turnip and wild cabbage. Not to be confused with its relative the turnip; rutabagas are actually larger, denser and higher in many…
The radish (Raphanus sativus) is a root vegetable, usually white in color though pink, red, black also exists. It has a crisp texture when fresh. The most commonly consumed part of Radish is a taproot, although sometimes greens are also eaten. Radish was believed to be domesticated in pre-Roman times in Europe. Radishes are widely used in cuisines such as European dishes. Roots, leaves, pods and seeds are mostly consumed parts of the plant. Though the radish could be consumed raw, it is usually cooked. It can be cultivated in cool climates and well-drained soils. Various varieties of radish could…
Purslane, also called Portulaca oleracea, is plants consider a weed in the United States and it is found in most gardens. Believed to have come from a desert in North Africa, it has aggravated gardeners around the world because it can be rather invasive. It spreads out before it gets taller, so it can cover quite a bit of ground. Also known as little hogweed, verdolaga, common purslane, portulaca, and pursley, purslane adds a somewhat tangy note to soups and stir-fries, and its juicy leaves can be used to add texture to salads. It is a wild-growing succulent plant is…