Jalapeno pepper (also known as Capsicum anuum) is the fruit of plants from genus Capsicum, members of nightshade family known as Solanaceae related to paprika, bell peppers, cayenne pepper and others. Cultivar of the plant produce dark green fruits. It is a perennial, small and herbaceous plant which grows upto 24-48 inches high. The fruits are bullet shaped and 6 to 7 cm long which possess numerous white, circular and flat seeds. It is rated at 2500-10000 Scoville units. Ideal growing conditions for Jalapeno pepper include well-drained, fertilized soil and humid, hot or cool climates. This pepper is mostly used…

Epilobium angustifolium, commonly known as Fireweed, is the flowering plant in the family Onagraceae. It is native to Temperate Northern Hemisphere. The First Nations of North American people used it as a cooked vegetable or fresh, substitute for tobacco and applied as a poultice to treat infections. As Fireweed possesses anti-inflammatory properties it is used to treat the skin problems such as mouthwash, diaper rash and sore gums. Fireweed has also been referred to as Fireweed, Great Willowherb, Rosebay Willowherb, Spiked Willowherb, Narrow-leaved fireweed, Perennial fireweed, Great willow-herb, Flowering willow, Rosebay willow-herb, Blood Vine, Blooming Sally, Fireweed, Flowering Willow, Willow…

Pasilla pepper is a chile pepper which belongs to the Capsicum annuum and which is widely used in cuisines. Its heat (rating 1,000-2,000 heat units on the Scoville scale) is considered mild to medium hot. Pasilla peppers are used in sauces, stews and soups. It is also called Chile negro, Chilaca chili pepper, Mexican negro Chilaca. The average length and diameter of Pasilla pepper is 6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 cm) and 1.0 to 1.5 inch (2.5 to 4 cm) respectively. The plant is herbaceous; annual which grows upto 18 inches in height and 12 inches in diameter.…

Yautia commonly refers to the plant Xanthosoma sagittifolium, the generally cultivated species of several plants in the family Araceae which is usually grown for their corms, petioles and leaves. Yautia is native to Northern South America which is cultivated widely in various parts of the world. It is known by many local names including American Taro, Barbados Nut Eddoe, Arrowleaf Elephant’s Ear, Cocoyam, Green Arrow Elephant Ears, Elephant Ears, New Cocoyam, Malanga, Tannia, Yannia Leaf Spinach, Uyautia, Yautia, Yellow Yautia, Yautia Tannia and Yellow Ocumo. It is a lactiferous, unarmed herb which prefers tropical and sub-tropical climates with well-drained and…

Chinese broccoli is an edible green plant which is cultivated for its edible flower stalks. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae (alt.Cruciferae). Asparations, Asparation, Bimi, Baby Broccoli, Broccolini, Broccolette, Tenderstem Broccoli, Sweet Baby Broccoli, Broccoletti, Tenderstem are other common names of Chinese broccoli. It is an annual plant which thrives in fertile soils and temperate, mediterranean or subtropical soils. The plant grows up to 5-30 cm high. It has thick stem which is 15-20 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. The leaves are round or wavy in flat, glossy and blue to green in color. The flowers of Chinese broccoli…

Irish moss, also called Carrageen moss, Carragheen, Carrageen, is red algae in the order Gigartinales which are found on rocks, pools, lower intertidal, shallow subtidal. The fronds of Irish moss are fan shape which is 150 mm high, 2-15 mm broad and 2 or 3-10 or 12 inches long. The frond is cartilaginous, dark purplish, red, yellowish or greenish in color. The branches of Irish moss are 2-15 mm broad and four or five times in a dichotomous. It possesses a compressed, narrow and flat stipe with rounded, apices blunt or subacute axils. History During the famine of 19th century,…

Aji Amarillo (Capsicum baccatum), also known as Aji, Aji Pepper, Aji Amarillo, Locoto, Amarillio Chilli, Wild Baccatum, Peruvian Hot Pepper, Aji Andean, Aji Amarillo Mirasol, Aji Camba, Aji Caballero, Aji Chanca, Aji Chivato, Aji Cochabamba, Aji Cito, Aji Colarado, Aji Cohincho, Aji Aji Indian, Aji Little Finger, Aji Limon etc. belongs to the night shade family Solanaceae. It is used as hot peppers which enhance the flavor of various dishes. As they are also known as yellow chile peppers, it possesses deep orange pendant fruit. Aji Amarillo is mostly used in Andean cuisine. It is usually rated at 30,000-50,000 Scoville…

Rumex spp., commonly known as broadleaf dock, cushy-cows, butterdock, kettle dock, curly dock and smair dock, is a species of flowering plant in a buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe which is now available in United States, Australia, New Zealand and others. The three varieties of dock are: Curled dock, Western dock and Willow dock. It could be found on entire continents as pasture weed, grains and tillage cropland. This plant is considered as perennial weeds. It has alternate leaves with tough and unbranched stem. Dock does best in loamy fertile soils. It is a weed in lawns,…

Borago officinalis is a species of the genus Borago L. in the family Boraginaceae native to Mediterranean region. Known as Starflower, it has acquired common names of Burrage, common bugloss, bee plant and beebread. There are more than 2500 species in this plant family. The oil which is extracted from Borage is known as Borage oil. It is an herbaceous annual plant growing to 2 feet high, with hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are alternate, 3-10 cm long and margined. Borage is a healthy plant with blue flowers which is grown commercially in order to extract oil from its…

Basella alba is a succulent, branched, twining herbaceous, perennial plant which is cultivated as a vegetable. This plant is also known as Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, East-Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Climbing spinach, Chinese spinach, Cyclone spinach and Alugbati. Malabar spinach is an edible flowering plant in family Basellaceae native to tropical Southern Asia which was originated from Sri Lanka, India or Indonesia. It is a perennial plant which grows upto nine meters long. The leaves of Malabar spinach are dark green, fleshy and heart shaped which is around 3-9 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The flowers are…

Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), also called Common Salsify, Jerusalem Star, Goatsbeard, Vegetable Oyster, Salsify, White Salsify, Wild Salsify is a biennal root vegetable which prefers well drained soil and cool climates. It is the member of the genus Tragopogon L. in the family Asteraceae Salsify can be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers, roots, seeds, greens could be used for various food preparations. Salsify was originated in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. It has also been introduced to the North America, British Isles, South Africa and Australia as well. Plant Salsify is robust, erect, biennial herb which grows upto 50-110 cm…

Phytolacca Americana, American nightshade, cancerroot, cancer jalap, coakum, chongras, crowberry, pokeberry, inkberry, garget, poke, pigeonberry, scoke, red ink plant, is an herbaceous plant with berry like fruit, native to Eastern United States where it prefers damp soils. Bunches of small, glossy, dark purple fruit develop on the stems which mature during August – November. Pokeberry should not be consumed raw as it is highly toxic. The cooked berries are safe to make pies. The juice extracted from the Pokeberries is used to enhance the color of wines. Plant It is an herbaceous perennial plant that can grow to 2-12 feet…

Romaine lettuce is a type of lettuce belonging to the genus Lactuca and native to Mediterranean region and also Asia Minor. This also includes endive, chicory, dandelion and escarole. Its scientific name is Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia. Romaine lettuce is a cool season annual plant which is grown for its loose headed leaves which grows upright from the center of the stem. The leaves are 12 inches long. It is heat tolerant than other types of lettuce. Common varieties of Romaine lettuce include Parris Island Cos, Valmaine and Little Gem. It is commonly referred to as Cos lettuce, Manchester…

Agaricus bisporus (English: Portobello, Portobello mushroom) is a fungus, and the type species of the genus Agaricus. It is native to grasslands in North America and Europe. The fungus grows in the fields and grassy areas. The fungus produces the fruit body that bears spores above ground in late spring to autumn. The fruit body has a large grey-brown cap which on occasion can reach 5–10 centimeters (2–4 inches) in diameter. The tube is facing downward from underside the cap. The gills are pink and red brown initially which turns to dark brown. The stem is white which bruised to…

Morel Mushroom (Morchella spp.), commonly known as Common morel, yellow morel, morel, morel mushroom, true morel, sponge morel and sponge mushroom, is an edible mushroom which belongs to the family Morchellaceae. It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America and Asia. This mushroom naturally grows in the forested areas around dead apple trees, elm trees, under wood scraps, Sycamore and Ash trees. Black morels, Half-free morels and Yellow morels are the three varieties of Morels. History Thousands of enthusiasts hunted morels for its excellent taste every spring and it is prized in the…

Jew’s ear (Auricularia polytricha) is an edible mushroom native to Asia and Pacific Ocean. This fungus was cultivated for over 1,000 years in China but now widely cultivated in China. It usually have more specific names such as Ear fungus, Jelly ear, Judas’s ear, Cloud ears, Wood ear, Pig’s Ear, Tree Ear, Wood Ear etc. It is mostly used in Asian cooking such as Chinese cuisine. Jew’s ear is a fungus which grows in a dead or living wood in cluster. The stem is lateral, rudimentary or absent. Fruit bodies are cup-shaped, up to 3-8 centimeters (1.2 to 3.1 inches)…

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is a small genus of perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. Dandelion is native to Eurasia but has been introduced to North America, India, South America, New Zealand and Australia. In general appearance, Dandelion is reminiscent of Agoseris and is sometimes called Blowball, Fairy Clock, Lion’s-Tooth and Faceclock. Like Agoseris the plants are mostly stemless, the leaves form a basal rosette and contain a milky sap. The flower stalks bears a single, erect and feathery flower head that possess many white bristles. The flower head is 2 to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit is cypselae between…

Yardlong bean also known as Bodi Bean, Long Bean, Snake Bean is an annual and fast growing plant which is cultivated for the long pods and edible seeds. It is a member of legume family Fabaceae. Yardlong bean was originated in Southern Asia but now it is widely cultivated in Southeastern Asia, Southern China and Thailand. It grows in warm climates. Leaves are consumed as vegetables, young pods are cooked or consumed fresh and seeds are cooked as a pulse. The pods are picked before it gets matured and cooked as vegetables. Plant The Yardlong bean plant grows as an…

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, is perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family usually with violet or purple flowers. It is native to Central and Western Mediterranean region where it has been domesticated in ancient times. Buds, stem, leaf stalks, young leaves and root are the edible portions of this plant. Cardoon is also known as Cardone, Artichoke thistle, Cardo, Cardoni, Cardi or Carduni. The varieties of Cardoon are: Large Smooth ones, Ivory White Smooth and Large Smooth Spanish. Plant The cardoon is a stout herbaceous perennial plant which grows to 0.8-1.5 m (31-59 in) tall with spiny, deeply lobed, gray green…

Wild cherry is the edible fruit of the plant species in the genus Prunus L. of the Rosaceae family. Wild cherry is also called Bird Cherry, Bing cherry, Gean, Crab Cherry, Mazzard, Wild Cherry and Sweet Cherry. Wild cherry has different vernacular names which differs according to the country such as French: Merisier, Amèrise; Italian: Ciregiolo, Ciliegia Dolce; Spanish: Picota, Cerasus Dulce; Russian: Vishnia Ptich’ia, Chereshnia etc. History The cherry is native to Mediterranean region such as eastern Europe/western Turkey. By 800 BC., it was cultivated in Turkey then it was grown on all continents but Antartica. Plant Wild cherry…

Sapodilla is a sweet and delicious fruit. It is loaded with nutritional benefits. The fruit is soft and the pulp is easily digestible with sweet and crunchy flavor. The fructose and sucrose provides sweetness to the fruit. Name Sapodilla Scientific Name Manilkara zapota Native Southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. During Spanish colonization, it was introduced to the Philippines. Now it is cultivated in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Bangladesh Indonesia and Mexico. Common/English Name Bully Tree, Chicle, Chico Sapote, Chiku, Marmalade Plum, Naseberry, Sapodilla, Sapote, Sapodilla Plum Name in Other Languages Aztec: Xicozapoti; Bahamas: Dilly; Bangledash: Sofeda; Belize: Zapote…

Sapodilla is rich in fructose, sucrose and calories. It possess the vitamins such a Vitamin A and C, niacin, folate, Vitamin B5 and minerals such as copper, potassium and iron. It also contains high amount of tannins which is an antioxidant. This fruit is used as an aid for hemostatic, anti-diarrheal and hemorrhoid. Nutritional value of Sapodilla Serving Size: 1 Cup, 241 g Calories 200 Kcal. Calories from Fat 23.85 Kcal. Proximity Amount % DV Water 187.98 g N/D Energy 200 Kcal N/D Energy 836 kJ N/D Protein 1.06 g 2.12% Total Fat (lipid) 2.65 g 7.57% Ash 1.2 g N/D…

Goji berry is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with grey-green leaves, purple/blue flowers and red fruits. It resembles raisins with a nutty flavor. It is mostly found in the dried form. Goji berry possesses antioxidants, protein and vitamin C. Name Goji berries Scientific Name Lycium barbarum Native Southeastern Europe and Asia. Goji was used in China and Tibet for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient and medicinally. But it was introduced in Western countries in recent years. Common/English Name Barbary Boxthorn, Box Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Teaplant, Barbary Wolfberry, Common Matrimoney-Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Common Matrimony Vine, Goji, Duke Of…

Sponge gourd which is also known as dishcloth gourds or vegetable sponge, loofah is cultivated for its fibrous tissue skeleton. It is an annual climbing vine. The mature plant is used as a kitchen sponge or organic bath. Name Sponge gourd Scientific Name Luffa aegyptiaca Native Tropical Africa and Asia but now grown throughout Asia and the United States for food and scrubbers. Common/English Name Common Luffa, Bath Sponge, Dish Cloth Gourd, Sponge Gourd, Dish-Cloth Gourd, Towel Gourd, Dishrag Gourd, Vegetable Sponge, Rag Gourd, Wash-Rag Sponge, Smooth Luffa, Scrubber Gourd, Wild Vegetable Sponge Name in Other Languages Arabic: Luff, Lûf;…

Sponge gourd has various types of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamin A, Carbohydrate, Vitamin B5, Manganese, Potassium and very low in Lipid, fat, Protein, Sodium and Vitamin K. Its range of minerals is truly impressive including Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Iron and Phosphorus. Nutritional value of Sponge gourd Serving Size: 1 Cup (178 g) Calories 100 Kcal. Calories from Fat 5.49 Kcal. Proximates Amount % DV Water 150.04 g N/D Energy 100 Kcal N/D Energy 417 kJ N/D Protein 1.17 g 2.34% Total Fat (lipid) 0.61 g 1.74% Ash 0.66 g N/D Carbohydrate 25.53 g 19.64% Total dietary…

Winter melons are the large fruit which is consumed as a vegetable and are found during the cold seasons. Due to their large size, it is marketed in slice form. The young ones have sweet taste whereas the mature ones are tasteless. It is rich in water texture. It possesses a large seed. Name Winter melon Scientific Name Benincasa hispida Native South Asia and Southeast Asia, now is widely cultivated throughout Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australia. During the Renaissance, Winter melon was introduced to Europe. Common/English Name Wax Gourd, Ash Gourd, Chinese Water Melon, Chinese Preserving Melon, Joined Gourd,…

Winter melon possesses various minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin C and niacin. It is rich in moisture and contains lower amount of fiber, fat, protein and carbohydrates. Nutritional value of Winter melon Serving Size: 1 Cup (132 g) Calories 17 Kcal. Calories from Fat 2.34 Kcal. Proximity Amount % DV Water 126.85 g N/D Energy 17 Kcal N/D Energy 71 kJ N/D Protein 0.53 g 1.06% Total Fat (lipid) 0.26 g 0.74% Ash 0.4 g N/D Carbohydrate 3.96 g 3.05% Total dietary Fiber 3.8 g 10.00% Minerals Amount % DV Sodium, Na…

Camu-camu is a small plant which grows in South America. The human studies show that this fruits possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. More research is still needed because due to the high amount of vitamin C it could interact with certain chemo drugs. Name Camu camu Scientific Name Myrciaria dubia Native South American Rainforest in Peru and Brazil, also available in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. Common/English Name Camu-Camu, Rumberry, Guavaberry, Cacari, Zamu Camu Berry Name in Other Languages Brazil : Camu-Camu, Arazá De Agua; Columbia : Guayabo; Peru : Camu-Camu, Camo-Camo; Spanish : Camo Camo, Guapuro Blanco; Venezeula…

Camu Camu possesses various antioxidants and amino acids. It is also a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, protein, fatty acids. It provides astringent, emollient, anti-inflammatory and nutritional properties. Nutritional value of Camu Camu Serving Size: 1 Cup (100 g) Calories 17 Kcal. Calories from Fat 1.8 Kcal. Proximity Amount % DV Water 94.4 g N/D Energy 17 Kcal N/D Energy 71 kJ N/D Protein 0.5 g 1.00% Total Fat (lipid) 0.2 g 0.57% Ash 0.2 g N/D Carbohydrate 4.7 g 3.62% Total dietary Fiber 0.6 g 1.58% Total Sugars 1.28 g N/D Fructose 0.95 g N/D Minerals…

Acerola cherry possess 65 times more Vitamin C than orange. The single fruit provides the minimum requirement of Vitamin C of the recommended amount. It looks like a cherry with acidic and sweet flavor. Fruit loses its flavor as well as nutritional content very fast. Name Acerola cherry Scientific Name Malpighia emarginata Native South America, Central America and Mexico, but now is being grown on Texas, India. Common/English Name Acerola, Dwarf Barbados Cherry, Barbados Cherry, Garden Cherry, Indian Cherry, Huesito, Native Cherry, Manzanita, Surinam Cherry, Puerto Rico Cherry, West Indian Cherry Name in Other Languages Brazil: Acerola, Cereja-Do-Pará; Barbados (Spanish):…