Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, family Cucurbitaceae) is a vine like flowering plant originally from Central America and Northern South America. It is a monoecious, climbing, annual plant with alternate and simple leaves and bright yellow to orangey yellow flowers. Though it is a fruit, it is treated as vegetables. It is widely grown for its edible fruit named pumpkin. The fruit has smooth, hard skin usually with cream spots and bright orange flesh but sometimes greenish with many seeds. The common names for pumpkin are Butternut Squash, Golden Cushaw, Cheese Pumpkin, Melon Squash, Japanese Pumpkin, Musky Pumpkin, Musky Gourd, Musky…

The potato is a tuber—a short, thick, underground stem with stored starches and sugars of the potato plant. It was given its botanical name, Solanum tuberosum, in 1596 by the Swiss botanist Gaspard Bauhin, and belongs to the Solanaceae family, the nightshades, which also include eggplant, peppers, and the tomato. Potatoes grow best in cool-temperate climates although they are originally from South America. Thousands of varieties exist and many species and have been grown in Peru and Bolivia for over 8000 years. They were brought over by the Spanish in the late 1500s to Europe although they didn’t become popular…

Sweet peppers and chilies are both derived from the same species, Capsicum annuum. The pepper plant is a member of the Solanaceae or “nightshade” family, which also includes tomatoes and potatoes. It is originally from South and Central America and was introduced into Europe for the first time at the beginning of the 16th century. Botanically, peppers are a fruit of Capsicum plants. However, in the culinary world, people recognize peppers as a vegetable. Nearly 2,000 varieties of peppers are cultivated worldwide. They are commonly grouped into two categories: hot (chili) and sweet peppers. It is also known as capsicum,…

The pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), alternatively known as Angola Pea, Gungo Pea, Congo-Pea, Pigeon-Pea, No Eye Pea, Red Gram, Yellow Dhal, Puerto Rico Pea, is a plant species in the legume family of the widely cultivated genus Cajanus Adans. Four varieties of pigeon peas are: tree types, tall varieties, dwarf varieties and smaller bushes. Pigeon peas are one of the most important food legume crops which grow in the tropical and subtropical climates. It is a drought tolerant and warm weather crop. History It was domesticated in India 3,500 years ago. The seeds are used as grains in Africa, Asia…

Peas are usually referred to as the pods or even the little, circular seeds of the legume Pisum sativum. Botanically, pea plant is definitely an herbaceous creeper from the family Fabaceae. Green peas are usually collected throughout cool season which is right from the start of winter to early-summers. Fairly sweet, starchy as well as delicious green peas are probably the primeval veggies grown for wholesome green pods. Sub-Himalayan plains of north-west India are viewed as the origin location for the growing of green pea; however it’s distributed thoroughly as one of the bigger commercial crops throughout all semi-tropical as…

Collard, Brassica oleracea var viridis is herbaceous annual or biennial plants in the family Brassicaceae that includes cabbage, kale, and broccoli. Although they share the same botanical name as kale, Brassica oleracea, and some similarity, they have their own distinctive qualities. The name Collard comes from the term “colewort” which means cabbage plant. Apart from that collard greens are also known as “non-heading cabbage” or “tree cabbage” because of its cabbage like leaves that looks like a crown on top of the stem after removing the leaves from the bottom part of the stem. It is said to have originated…

Parsnip is a member of umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, in the genus, Pastinaca and is actually a relative of the carrot, parsley, celeriac, cumin, dill and parsley root. It is a sweet, succulent underground taproots closely related to the carrot family. The word Parsnip is from the Latin ‘pastus’ meaning food and ‘sativa’ meaning cultivated. It is a root vegetable that is native to Eurasia and has been used extensively in that region since ancient times. It is closely related to carrots and parsley, and for that reason, it is often mistaken for carrots in historical records. Harris Model Parsnips, All…

Parsley is the common name for a bright green, biennial herb of European origin, Petroselinum crispum, which is extensively cultivated for its leaves, which are used as a garnish or for flavoring food. It is a member of the Apiaceae family of plants. Relatives of this common culinary herb include the garden vegetables carrot, parsnip, and celery. Parsley belongs to the same family as poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.), a deadly narcotic herb. The word parsley is derived from two Greek words: “petrose,” meaning rock, since it so often pops through rocky terrain as well as stone walls;…

Packed with vibrant flavor, onions are a staple food throughout the world. It is a close relative of other Allium family members such as garlic, leeks, and shallots. It is grown for its edible bulb, which most often serves to flavor a variety of foods. This plant originates from central Asia, but it can be found around the world today. Cultivation of onion started 7000 years ago and resulted in creation of numerous varieties of onions that differ in size, shape, color and taste. The amazing onion offers layers of flavor, color, and texture to a wide variety of dishes…

Okra (Lady’s Finger), Abelmoschus esculentus, is an economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. This crop is suitable for cultivation as a garden crop as well as on large commercial farms. Okra is a nutritional powerhouse which has been grown for more than 2,000 years. Botanically, okra is a perennial flowering plant belongs to the Malvaceae (mallows) family; it is also related to cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock and named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant. The term okra was in use in English…

Tetragonia tetragonioides also known as New Zealand spinach, Tetragonia, ice plant, ever bearing spinach, everlasting spinach, perpetual spinach, Della Nuova Zelanda, Botany Bay spinach, Cook’s cabbage, kōkihi, New Zealand spinach, sea spinach, and tetragon belongs to Aizoaceae family. It is a perennial vegetable grown as a tender annual and is native to Argentina, Australia, Chile, Japan, and New Zealand. Stem and leaves are the edible parts of the New Zealand Spinach. It is mainly grown for the edible leaves, and is used as food or an ornamental plant for ground cover. As few of its names imply, it has got…

Mustard greens (Brassica juncea), also known as Indian mustard, Chinese mustard and leaf mustard, is a species of mustard plant and belongs to Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc. Mustard greens are actually the leaves of the mustard plant and is considered to have originated from Himalayan region of India and has been consumed for more than 5,000 years. The leaves, seeds and stem of the plant are edible and are used in a variety of ways and they often appear in Southern cooking as well as Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and African cuisines. There are actually…

Dioscorea pentaphylla also known as Mountain Yam, Five Leaf Yam, Wild yam, Prickly yam is a member of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to southern and eastern Asia and grows well in lowland tropical areas. It is a prickly vine that twines counterclockwise around objects and other plants. It may reach 10 meters in length. The tubers of the vine can be cooked and eaten. Plant Mountain Yam is herbaceous, climbing, twining, perennial monocots vegetables sized 30 feet (10 m) tall which grow well in lowland tropical areas. Normally it prefers a deep, well-drained, sandy loam that is…

Nelumbo nucifera, under the more common names of the Hindu Lotus, Egyptian Bean, Lotus, Indian Lotus, Lotus Bean, Sacred Lotus, Oriental Lotus, Water Lotus, is a perennial flowering aquatic herb which are found on the fresh water. It has floating leaves and rooted plant, grows about 150 cm high. The plant rises from the rhizomes which are planted in the soil. It is many petaled flowers which grow in the range of white to rosy. These flowers rise above several centimeters on thick stems above the water. It is the member of Nelumbonaceae family native to Tropical Asia and Queensland…

Also known as blue daisy, blue dandelion, blue sailors, blue weed, bunk, coffee weed, cornflower, hendibeh, horseweed, ragged sailors, succory, wild bachelor’s buttons, and wild endive, Chicory is somewhat woody, herbaceous plant belongs to the sunflower and daisy family called Asteraceae, close cousins to lettuce and dandelions. Its scientific name is Cichorium intybus and is native to Europe, India, and Egypt, but it has now established into the Americas and can be found extensively there. Daliva, Flash, Zoom,Rossa di Treviso, Rossa di Verona, Giulio Firebird are some popular varieties of Chicory which are grown worldwide for its leaves, buds and…

Leek belongs to the family Liliaceae and genus Allium which is composed of approximately 600 known species that have been distributed all over the Northern hemisphere. Leeks are perennial, herbaceous and bulbous herbs with intense aroma. Though it is a biennial plant, it is cultivated as an annual. The Allium ampeloprasum does not form hard bulbs like garlics and onions. The plant only possesses a solitary, cylindrical ovoid- subglobose bulb. The swollen stem is enclosed with 6 to 9, flat and cylindrical blue green leaves which are about 3 ft. long. Leeks are also commonly referred to as English Leek,…

Brassica oleracea L., Gongylodes group, also known as kohlrabi and turnip-rooted cabbage, is a member of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) family. The name kohlrabi is made up of two German words: kohl meaning cabbage and rübe meaning turnip. The word kohlrabi literally translates to “cabbage turnip.” This term is very suitable as kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and is related to cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts but has a large edible bulb that resembles a turnip. It is a native of northern Europe and grows best in cool climates. Kohlrabi is not a root vegetable, large…

The chanterelle Cantharellus cibarius is widely regarded as among the most anticipated of edible mushrooms. It can be found singly, scattered, in groups, or occasionally clustered on the ground in woods. The generic name Cantharellus is derived from the Latin word cantharus (initially from the Greek ‘kantharos’) meaning a drinking vessel (generally with handles), a bowl or a chalice. The Greek noun kantharos was applied to (among other things) an ancient Greek clay vessel which, in turn, was so named for its resemblance to a red-tinged scarab beetle of the same name. Chanterelles can look slightly like the poisonous jack-o-lantern.…

Lentinus edodes (also known as Shiitake mushroom, Chinese black mushroom, Winter Mushroom, and Golden Oak Mushroom) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia but grown in many Asian countries. It belongs to the family Tricholomataceae and genus Lentinula. Shiitake mushroom can be found during spring to late summer or early fall in the warm and moist climate, where it grows upon hardwoods such as oak, ironwood, maple. It is prized for its delicious taste and texture. The fruit body of Shiitake mushroom is normally 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. It is large and umbrella shaped mushroom in dark…

Kale is cabbage-like plants native to the eastern Mediterranean or to Asia Minor. It is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which also includes cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts. Its botanical name is Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala (the term acephela reveals that this member of the Brassica family of vegetables does not form a head, like its other cousins broccoli and cauliflower). Kale is also known as Borecole, non-heading cabbage and broccoli and it have gained recent widespread attention because of its health-promoting, sulfur-containing phytonutrients. Dinosaur, Lacinato, ornamental kale, Nero…

Jute (Corchorus olitorius) is an edible leafy vegetable which is a member of genus Corchorus classified under the subfamily Grewioideae of the family Malvaceae. It is widely found in tropical and subtropical areas from Asia to Africa appreciated as food and for its strong fiber. The word jute is perhaps coined from the word jhuta or jota, an Orrisan word. However, the use of jutta potta cloth was stated both in the Bible and Monushanghita- Mahabharat. Jute mallow, saluyot, Jute, Jew’s mallow, Egyptian spinach, bush okra, West African sorrel, Chang shouo huang ma, Krinkrin are some common name of Jute…

Lablab purpureus is a legume which is cultivated to be eaten as a green pods. It belongs to the family Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae. It is also known as Egyptian Bean, Hyacinth Bean, Field Bean, Indian bean, Lablab Bean, Musical Bean, Tonga Bean, Sweet Pulse and Wild Bean. The plant is tropical and widely grown in North Africa and Asia. It is a twining or trailing herb. The pods are 4 to 5 cm long. It is used for vegetable use. It has strong nutty aroma and sweet flavor. There are four varieties of Hyacinth beans such as: White Flower, Purple…

Also known as sunchoke, the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is native to eastern United States and Mexico and belongs to large Compositae family that includes lettuces, globe artichokes and sunflowers. In spite of its title, the Jerusalem artichoke doesn’t have relation to Jerusalem and it’s also not just a kind of artichoke. The plant look like a sunflower, but it also yields a large number of edible tubers that are knobbly and look a lot like ginger in appearance. Tubers are smaller, sweeter, crisper and nuttier than potatoes. As the Latin name recommends, Jerusalem artichokes develop tubers that are the…

Bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is also called Calabash Gourd, Trumpet Gourd and Long Squash. The immature fruit of these species are consumed as vegetables. It is pear shaped with light green coloration. The immature fruit has white spongy flesh. The Bottle gourd may grow as 1 meter in length. Native to Tropical Africa, it is widely grown for the foods. The bottle gourd requires warm climate and well-drained soil to grow. The two varieties of Bottle gourd are: Pusa Summer Prolific Long and Arka Bahar. Rounder varieties…

Ginger is the common name for Zingiber officinale, which was originally grown in China and now equally spread around the world. The plant’s botanical name is supposed to be derived from its Sanskrit name singabera which means “horn shaped,” a physical characteristic that ginger reflects. Pungent, spicy ginger root is one of popular root herb of culinary as well as medicinal importance. Ginger belongs to Zingiberaceae botanical family which also includes cardamom, galangal and turmeric. The spice ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, with a robust distinct flavor which can boost the production of saliva. The main…

(Allium sativum) also known as Wild Garlic or Field Garlic is a vegetable and most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium L. A perennial plant, native to Central Asia but is widely grown as an annual plant. Garlic is in the family Liliaceae, to which also belong leek, shallot, onion, rakkyo and chive. It is an erect annual herb which bears flat grey-green leaves and green-white or pinkish flowers. Garlics are cultivated and used around the world. It is used as an ingredient, vegetables, pickles or chutneys. Plant Garlics are bulb forming erect annual plant, growing to 30-60…

Eggplant or Brinjal (Solanum melongena) is an important solanaceous crop of sub-tropics and tropics. It belongs to nightshade family which also comprises potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and sweet peppers. The term brinjal is general in Indian subcontinents and is derived from Arabic and Sanskrit while the name eggplant has been derived from the shape of the fruit of certain varieties, which are white and resemble in shape to chicken eggs. It is said to have originated from India and China but is now popular vegetable in Southern Europe also, particularly in the Balkans, France and Italy. It is also called aubergine…

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is also known as halim is an edible fast-growing herb which is native to Persia. Garden cress belongs to the cruciferous family and is linked to mustard, pepperwort pepper grass and watercress. Stems, seeds and leaves of garden cress are palatable but only the leaves and stems are eaten raw in salads or used for other culinary purposes. Medicinal properties of garden cress (Lepidium sativum) have been recognized for centuries in India and Europe. Garden pepper cress, peppergrass, mustard and cress, poor man’s pepper or pepperwort pepper grass is some of the common names of garden…

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus, family Cucurbitaceae) is a vine like flowering plant originally from South Asia. It is a large, sprawling annual plant with alternate, hairy leaves and yellow flowers. It is grown for its edible fruit, also known as Cucumber. The fruit has smooth skin in green, yellow or whitish with many seeds. These cultivars produce fruit within 50-60 days of planting the crop. It can be cooked as well as eaten raw. The plant typically grows up to 16.4 ft. in length and has four to five angled stem. An average common Cucumber weighs approximately 268 grams. Cucumber…

Corn scientifically known as Zea mays is also referred to as maize is a large grain plant first domesticated about 10,000 years ago by indigenous peoples in Mexico. The word maize is derived from the Spanish form of the indigenous Taíno word for the plant, mahiz. It is known by different names around the world. Some popular common names of Corn are Field Corn, Annual Teosinte, Blue Corn, Corn, Turkish Wheat Grain Maize, Maize, Sweet Corn, Mealie, Indian corn, Pop Corn, Turkish Corn and Cultivated Maize. The major types of corn are Sweet maize, Dent maize, Floury maize, flint maize,…