Cucumbers are in the genus Cucumis L. or melon P of the species Cucumis sativus L commonly known as the garden cucumber P. The plant is believed to have originated in western Asia in India and regions of the Middle East. Cucumbers have been documented in the legend of Gilgamesh in 2500 B.C.E.
The lily is a member of the family Liliaceae, which contains about 359 genuses with up to 100 species, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The plant is native to the northern hemisphere that includes North America, Europe, and Asia. Approximately 5000 years ago a tablet found in Sumeria depicted a Persian city surrounded by a field of lilies.
You might be surprised to learn that boysenberries are so closely related to blackberries that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has no separate listing for them. However, boysenberries are classified in the genus Rubus of the species R. ursinus x idaeus. The plant was originally bred by Rudolph Boysen, a California horticulturist, in 1923, but he ceased his experimentation when he sold his farm. Later that decade George M.
Fava beans are a member of the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family of the genus Vicia L of the species Vicia faba L, commonly called fava bean P. The plant is native to the Mediterranean basin with evidence found as early as the Iron age. By the end of the Iron age they had spread throughout the world.
Apricots are a member of the family Rosaceae, commonly known as the Rose family of the genus Prunus L. or plum P. Its species names is Prunus armeniaca L. or apricot P. The nomenclature apricot is said to be derived from the Italian word “albercocco.” The fruit is considered a dupe and is related to the cherry, plum, nectarine, peach, and almond.
Carrots are a member of the family Apiaceae, commonly known as the carrot family. Carrots are in the genus Daucus L., which contains two species and two varieties. Fossils of carrots have been found in prehistoric lake dwellings in Switzerland and were grown in the royal garden in Babylon in the 8th century B.C. E. Carrots are thought to have been cultivated for their leaves and seeds, as there is no evidence to show the root was eaten. The plant is related to parsley, dill, celery, and parsnips, and in Europe it was a white root.
Persimmons are in the family Ebenaceae, commonly known as the Ebony family in the genus Diospyros L. Of the seventeen species, only two are native to America: the Diospyros virginiana L, also known as the common persimmon P; and the Diospyros texana Scheele, commonly known as the Texas persimmon P.
Radicchio is a member of the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the aster family in the genus Cichorium L. and the species Cichorium intybus L. or chicory P.
Basically, mustard greens (sarson or rai, as they are called in India) have a superb nutrition-to-calorie ratio—which means you get the most nutrition out of a bite and don’t stack those calories either! Plus, their flavor is such that they can be made into many versatile dishes, and the taste tends to grow on you. But let’s talk about the health aspects first…
